First two Hürkus-II trainers inducted into Turkish Air Force

The first two of 55 Hürkuş-II basic trainer aircraft were formally inducted into the Turkish Air Force on 28 September 2026. (Turkish Aerospace)

The first two Hürkuş-II basic trainer aircraft developed by Turkish Aerospace (TA) have entered the Turkish Air Force (TuAF) inventory.

The Hürkuş-II programme was launched in 2021 under a contract signed between the Presidency of Defence Industries (SSB) and TA to meet the TuAF's pilot-training requirements with a domestically developed aircraft. The programme covers a total of 55 aircraft.

According to a press release issued by TA on 28 September 2026, 12 Hürkuş-II aircraft are expected to be delivered to the TuAF in 2026. Deliveries are planned to continue at a rate of two aircraft per month from 2027, with completion of the programme targeted for 2028.

The Hürkuş-II is designed to support both basic and introductory advanced pilot training on a single platform. It features next-generation avionics, high manoeuvrability, advanced safety systems and a digital training infrastructure.

The aircraft will play an important role in the TuAF's pilot-training pipeline, preparing student pilots for the transition to advanced jet training on Hürjet and subsequently to the fifth-generation Kaan national combat aircraft.

The induction ceremony followed an extensive programme of flight and ground testing conducted at TA's facilities in Ankara. The acceptance process included detailed assessments of flight performance, avionics systems and structural integration. The process lasted approximately three weeks, after which the two aircraft were officially inducted into the TuAF inventory, according to TA.

TA stated Hürkuş-II offers a high level of aerobatic performance and manoeuvrability for its class. Powered by a 1,600 shp Pratt & Whitney Canada turboprop engine, the aircraft can reach an altitude of 30,000 ft and a maximum speed of 320 kt.