A new era has begun in Turkish aviation history. At a ceremony held at TUSAŞ's Kahramankazan facilities with the participation of Defence Industry Agency President Professor Dr. Haluk Görgün, two HÜRKUŞ-II aircraft – Türkiye's first manned aircraft to hold a national Military Type Certificate – were delivered to the Air Force Command.
"We Are Keeping Alive Vecihi Hürkuş's Dream from a Century Ago"
In his speech at the delivery ceremony, Görgün drew attention to the historical significance carried by the name HÜRKUŞ. Using the words, "The dream that Vecihi Hürkuş carried into the sky with his own aircraft a century ago, we are now keeping alive with an aircraft bearing his name," Görgün said: "Moreover, this time, with a domestic content rate of up to 80 per cent, we have produced the best in its class with the strength of our own defence industry."
Air Force Commander Lieutenant General Rafet Dalkıran, speaking at the ceremony, expressed his feelings with the words: "As Commander of the Turkish Air Force, there can be nothing more pride-inspiring than flying in an aircraft produced by our own country."
Türkiye's First National Military Type Certificate
The most critical step that made HÜRKUŞ-II's entry into the inventory possible was the Military Type Certificate obtained on 9 September 2026. This certificate holds the distinction of being the first document issued to a domestically developed air platform in Türkiye, following a comprehensive certification process conducted in accordance with international standards and entirely with national personnel.
During the certification process, 1,790 certification requirements were verified across 12 separate disciplines, 950 evidence documents were technically reviewed, and a total of 153 certification tests were carried out. Of these tests, 38 were conducted as laboratory tests, 71 as ground tests and 44 as flight tests.
Prepared for Service with 300 Sorties
The Turkish Primary and Basic Trainer Aircraft Development Programme Contract entered into force upon signature between the Undersecretariat for Defence Industries (SSM) and TUSAŞ on 15 March 2006. The first HÜRKUŞ produced successfully carried out its maiden flight at TUSAŞ's Kazan facilities on 29 August 2013. The development process of HÜRKUŞ-II began with a contract signed on 26 December 2013. Conducting its maiden flight on 30 December 2024, the aircraft flew approximately 300 sorties covering 2,256 test points as part of certification and qualification testing. This comprehensive test process enabled the platform to reach operational readiness level.
A New Chain in Pilot Training
HÜRKUŞ-II is positioned as the first link in Türkiye's manned combat aircraft development chain. Pilot candidates will receive their basic training on HÜRKUŞ-II, complete their advanced jet training on HÜRJET, and ultimately protect the Sky Homeland with KAAN.
Görgün commented: "We are carrying the experience and self-confidence gained with HÜRKUŞ to HÜRJET and KAAN. Each project will continue to strengthen the wings of the next."
55-Aircraft Procurement Programme and Export Target
Under the contract between the SSB and TUSAŞ, a total of 55 HÜRKUŞ-II aircraft will be procured. Twelve aircraft are planned for delivery within 2026, with all 55 aircraft to be brought into the Air Force inventory by the end of 2028.
Görgün also gave ambitious messages regarding exports: "We know there is a requirement covering hundreds of aircraft in the basic trainer market. Very soon, we will begin sharing HÜRKUŞ export news with you." According to statements by TUSAŞ General Manager Mehmet Demiroğlu, negotiations with Azerbaijan have reached the signing stage, with demand also coming from Gulf countries, Africa and South America.
The Strength of the Domestic Ecosystem
HÜRKUŞ-II's domestic content rate approaching 80 per cent demonstrates the level of maturity in Türkiye's defence industry. With TUSAŞ as prime contractor, along with ASELSAN's avionics systems, HAVELSAN's mission planning solutions and contributions from other subcontractors, the platform has emerged as the product of a national ecosystem. The fact that all of the aircraft's avionics systems and software are domestic also facilitates the integration of national munitions.
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