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Türkiye Seeks US Approval to Purchase GE Aerospace Engines for Hürjet Fighter Development
- 16 Sep, 2024 - 11:36
- Defense News Aerospace 2024
Türkiye has formally requested permission from the United States to purchase engines from GE Aerospace for use in its domestically produced military aircraft, according to Turkish officials cited by BNN Bloomberg. This move is considered crucial for President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's efforts to modernize Türkiye's air force and strengthen the country's defense industry, a member of NATO.
If approved by the U.S., the request could signal an easing of tensions that have strained relations between the two countries since Türkiye's decision in 2019 to purchase a Russian air defense system. (Picture source: TAI)
Ankara is seeking to acquire F404 engines for its training aircraft program, the officials stated. If approved by the U.S., the request could signal an easing of tensions that have strained relations between the two countries since Türkiye's decision in 2019 to purchase a Russian air defense system.
The Turkish military aims to replace its aging fleet of Northrop Grumman T-38s and F-5s with the locally manufactured Hürjet, which would be powered by GE Aerospace engines. A representative from the U.S. Embassy in Ankara told Bloomberg, "We look forward to further deepening our defense partnership with Türkiye, a key NATO ally," while declining to comment on specific details regarding GE Aerospace and Türkiye.
The Hürjet is an advanced jet trainer and light attack aircraft developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) for the Turkish Air Force. Designed to replace the aging T-38 Talon trainers, the Hürjet is intended to provide a modern platform for pilot training as well as light combat missions. Production began in the early 2020s, with a successful first flight conducted on April 25, 2023.
Entry into service is planned for the coming years, but as of September 2023, no aircraft were yet operational in the armed forces. The Hürjet is capable of reaching a maximum speed of approximately Mach 1.2 and has a service ceiling of 45,000 feet. Equipped with modern avionics, it is designed for versatility, capable of performing training missions, light attack, close air support, and armed reconnaissance.
Designed to replace the aging T-38 Talon trainers, the Hürjet is intended to provide a modern platform for pilot training as well as light combat missions. (Picture source: TAI)
Relations between Ankara and Washington were severely strained when Türkiye opted to acquire Russia's S-400 air defense system. In response, the United States blocked Türkiye in 2019 from accessing F-35 fighter jets, considered among the most advanced in the world. Ties improved in early 2024 when Türkiye ratified Sweden's bid to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), a move opposed by Russia but supported by the U.S. and European nations following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.
Despite efforts to strengthen ties with the West, President Erdoğan seeks to maintain a strong relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin and to build alliances beyond Western nations, including with China. Türkiye is officially seeking to join the BRICS group of emerging economies, which would make it the first NATO member to do so.
Erdoğan is scheduled to visit New York later this month to address the United Nations General Assembly and is expected to meet with U.S. officials and business leaders. As part of its plans to modernize its air force, Türkiye is also seeking to acquire GE Aerospace F110 engines for its Kaan fighter jet project and is urging Germany to permit the purchase of Eurofighter jets.
Ankara is scaling back a $23 billion defense contract with the United States for the purchase of F-16 fighter jets and the upgrade of some existing aircraft. However, it aims for an offset agreement that would allow it to manufacture certain warplane parts locally.
GE Aerospace, based in Cincinnati, is the world's largest manufacturer of aircraft engines. It has a joint venture with state-owned Turkish Aerospace called TUSAS Engine Industries Inc. (TEI). They plan to utilize TEI "for maintenance, repair, and overhaul of F404 engines, in addition to assembly, inspection, and testing in Türkiye," a GE Aerospace spokesperson told Bloomberg.
Although the Hürjet is designed as a trainer aircraft, Türkiye also plans to produce armed versions of the plane, according to officials.
