Spain has launched a sweeping modernization of its military aviation capabilities, approving a five-year, €3.7 billion ($4.3 billion) funding plan that includes new training aircraft, transport platforms, and helicopters.
The plan, announced in a royal decree published in the official state gazette on September 24, will direct substantial contracts to Airbus as the lead contractor across six major defense projects scheduled between 2025 and 2030.
“This royal decree establishes the rules for the direct granting of [contracts] to Airbus Defence and Space and Airbus Helicopters Spain for the industrial development of six special modernisation programmes in the aerospace and defence sector,” the decree said. “The measure responds to Spain’s Industrial and Technological Plan for Security and Defence (2025), aiming to modernise the armed forces, strengthen industrial and technological sovereignty, [and] generate employment and innovation.”
The funding package allocates €1.04 billion for the Integrated Advanced Flight Training System (ITS-C) program, under which Spain will acquire the Turkish-made Hürjet advanced jet trainer, developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ). A further €520 million is set aside for the Air Mobility Training Technologies (ITS-T) initiative, linked to the C295 tactical transport aircraft. Airbus Helicopters Spain will receive €1 billion for Phase 3 of the NH90 Air Mobility program, €100 million for Phase 2 of the H135 Training and Support Helicopter program, €920 million for the new Multi-purpose Light Helicopter for Training (HELIPO), and €100 million for the Multi-purpose Helicopter (HACES) program involving the H175.
The agreement with Turkey will see Spain acquire 30 Hürjet jets with options for 15 more, bringing the potential total to 45 aircraft. The deal marks a major step in Spain’s training aircraft modernization, as the Hürjet is designed to provide advanced jet training and light combat capabilities to next-generation air forces.
Under the terms of the agreement, serial production of the Hürjet platforms will take place at TUSAŞ facilities in Ankara. Once completed, the aircraft will be transferred to Airbus Defence and Space in Spain, where they will be adapted to meet the technical and operational requirements of the Spanish Air Force.
Integration work, along with maintenance, repair, and sustainment services, will be carried out under the responsibility of Airbus Defence and Space Spain.
According to the schedule outlined in the agreement, initial deliveries of Hürjet aircraft to the Turkish Air Force are expected in 2027. Deliveries to Spain’s Air Force will follow in 2028.