Turkish Aerospace Industries Secures New Contracts and Advances Development Programs at IDEF 2025

Assessing the Latest Developments from Turkish Aerospace Industries at IDEF 2025

The Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ) showcased significant advancements at IDEF 2025, with a particular focus on the Hürjet trainer aircraft, T625 Gökbey utility helicopter, and T925 heavy lift helicopter. While new aircraft were not launched at the exhibition, it provided an essential platform for evaluating ongoing programs and partnerships.

Hürjet Advanced Jet Trainer Agreements

TUSAŞ, in collaboration with Airbus, has solidified its commitment to expedite the export of the Hürjet advanced jet trainer to Spain through a recent agreement. This contract formalizes roles within Spain’s jet trainer procurement process, building on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) established in May between TUSAŞ and a Spanish defense consortium that includes Airbus. Key aspects of this agreement include:

• Procurement Target: Spain is looking to acquire up to 30 Hürjet aircraft.
• Timeline for Deliveries: The goal is to complete the acquisition by the end of the year, with initial deliveries scheduled for early 2028, contingent upon timeline adherence for aircraft customization, which aims to incorporate Spanish content.
• Synthetic Training Devices: The expansion of Spanish contributions, particularly in simulator technology, remains to be quantified.

Additionally, TUSAŞ has partnered with GE Aerospace to enhance the Hürjet’s technical infrastructure, specifically focusing on the integration, maintenance, and repair of F404 turbofan engines. Turkey aims to procure 100 F404 engines, envisioning a total output of 300 Hürjet aircraft.

Production of T625 Gökbey Utility Helicopters

On the second day of IDEF, a significant contract was signed between the Turkish Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB) and TUSAŞ, aiming for the production of 57 T625 Gökbey helicopters for the Turkish Air Force. Key points of this development include:

• Delivery Schedule: Commencing in 2028.
• Specifications: The T625 is a twin-engine, 6-ton capacity helicopter with the ability to transport 12 passengers and a crew of two, powered by the TEI-TS1400 Turboshaft Engine developed specifically for this helicopter.

Turkey’s earlier procurement of 23 T625 units includes deliveries to military, paramilitary, and other governmental organizations, with the first helicopter expected to be operational in October 2024.

Innovations in the T925 Heavy Utility Helicopter

The T925 helicopter is set to have its maiden flight next year. Notably, the latest design revisions present a fuselage bearing resemblance to the UH-60 Blackhawk, which incorporates changes like:

• Increased Maximum Speed: Enhanced to 342 km/h.
• Engine Specifications: The heavy utility helicopter is powered by two TV3-117VMA-SBM1V turboshaft engines manufactured by Motorsich in Ukraine, currently the same engines utilized in the T929 ATAK program.

A production order has already been placed for eight T925 units, earmarked for the General Directorate of Forestry and intended for firefighting operations.

Advancements in Fighter Development: The Kaan Aircraft

TUSAŞ continues progressing on the Kaan 5th generation fighter aircraft, designed to eventually replace the aging F-16 fleet of the Türk Hava Kuvvetleri. Developments include:

• Initial Prototypes: The first prototype has completed its second flight, with a third scheduled for late 2025. The aircraft is powered by two General Electric F110-GE-129 engines, used in Turkey’s current F-16 fleet.
• Future Prototypes: A second prototype is projected for completion in late 2026, with additional iterations incorporating air refueling capabilities and internal weapon bays.
• Export Agreements: Notably, Indonesia has become the first export customer, signing for 48 aircraft.

The Block 30 aircraft, which will feature an indigenous TF35000 engine developed by TEI, is anticipated for delivery starting in 2032.

Unmanned Aerial Systems Expansion

Another notable development is TUSAŞ’s plans regarding its Anka III unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV), with expected delivery to the Turkish Air Force by 2026. This UCAV will undergo operational trials and is expected to be followed by a production contract aimed for post-2028. Further expansions into this market have led to the conceptualization of the Anka IV project, reportedly designed to be comparable in size to the B-2 bomber.

Focus on Domestic Propulsion Capabilities

Turkey’s objective to bolster independence from foreign engine suppliers is manifesting through the development of a new range of turbofan engines by TEI, including:

• TEI-TF6000: Currently in testing, designed for smaller aircraft.
• TEI-TF10000: Nearing prototype production, demonstrating the capability to power larger platforms.
• TEI-TF35000: In the initial design phase, this engine aims to power the Kaan Block 30 fighter platform.

With around 4,000 employees, TEI splits its workforce evenly between production and research and development, indicating a strong commitment to fostering a self-sufficient aerospace sector.