Spain Pilot Training System: The Spanish Ministry of Defence has chosen Airbus Defence and Space to lead a big new project for the Spanish Air and Space Force. Airbus will help build a modern combat Integrated Training System that will train future fighter pilots. Airbus will work together with Turkish Aerospace, which makes the HÜRJET Jet Trainer aircraft. This new system will replace Spain’s old F-5 training aircraft and will handle the full advanced training of combat pilots.
The plan includes buying 30 HÜRJET jet trainers from Turkish Aerospace. These aircraft will not stay the same as the original version. Spain will upgrade them using Spanish technology to match the needs of the Air and Space Force.
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Airbus will also set up a new Aircraft Conversion Centre inside Spain and upgrade the training base at Talavera la Real Air Base in the Extremadura region. The contract also covers full operation and maintenance support so the aircraft and training centre stay ready at all times.
Two Phases for Delivery and Upgrades
The project will move forward in two phases at the same time. In the first phase, Airbus and its partners will deliver all 30 HÜRJET aircraft in their basic form. Spain will certify these jets, and the Air and Space Force will receive them during 2028 and 2029. This step will help pilots start using the new aircraft without delay.
The second phase will focus on upgrading all 30 aircraft with Spanish-made systems and equipment. These upgraded aircraft will reach the Air and Space Force between the second half of 2031 and 2035. Airbus will convert the first two jets at its facility in Getafe. After that, engineers will upgrade the remaining 28 aircraft at the new Conversion Centre that Airbus will build in Spain, reported Airbus.
Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Air Power at Airbus Defence and Space, explained the goal of the project clearly. He said, “This ambitious programme seeks to create a state-of-the-art combat training system in Spain that addresses the immediate needs of the Air and Space Force. It will also boost national industry participation, return on investment and capability development, ensuring Spanish sovereignty throughout the entire process.”
Big Role for Spanish Industry
Many Spanish defence and technology companies will take part in the aircraft conversion work. These companies will focus on mission systems, training systems, avionics computers, audio systems, mission recording tools, and armament simulators. This work will help grow Spain’s defence industry and keep important skills inside the country.
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Airbus also plans to build a brand-new ground-based training system at Talavera la Real Air Base by 2028. This system will include advanced simulators, such as two full mission simulators, virtual reality simulators, computer-based training, and multi-purpose training rooms.
The contract also includes a full service package. This will ensure the new HÜRJET fleet stays available and ready for use. It will also support proper running of the training centre, including ground lessons.
