Spain Eyes Turkey’s TB3 and Navalized Hürjet Amid Debate Over Harrier Replacement

Growing reports of industrial and military contacts between Spain and Turkey are fueling an increasingly visible debate over the future of the Armada Española’s carrier-based aviation capabilities.

In recent weeks, Turkish media outlets and defense publications have linked Spain to two particularly significant Turkish programs: the carrier-capable Bayraktar TB3 and the future navalized TAI Hürjet currently under development by Turkish Aerospace Industries.

While no official confirmation has emerged from Madrid, Ankara, or the companies involved, the broader strategic and industrial context makes such speculation increasingly plausible.

The Harrier Problem

At the center of the discussion lies a well-known issue: Spain’s aging McDonnell Douglas AV-8B Harrier II fleet is approaching the end of its operational life, forcing the Spanish Navy to decide what type of carrier aviation capability it wants to maintain in the coming decades.

Until recently, the obvious successor appeared to be the Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II — currently the only Western fifth-generation V/STOL fighter available.

However, the program’s high cost, budgetary constraints, and the rapid evolution of naval warfare are opening discussions around more flexible and scalable alternatives.

TB3 and the Rise of Carrier Drones

Within that context, the Bayraktar TB3 has attracted increasing attention. The navalized drone, derived from the TB2, was specifically designed to operate from short-deck vessels such as the Juan Carlos I.

The TB3 features folding wings and is intended for:

• maritime surveillance
• ISR missions
• light strike operations
• expeditionary support

For Turkey, the TB3 forms a key element of the future air wing aboard both the TCG Anadolu and the future MUGEM.

This is precisely where the platform becomes interesting for Spain: it could offer a way to preserve relevant embarked air capabilities without relying exclusively on an expensive manned V/STOL fighter fleet.

Hürjet Naval Enters the Debate

The second major development is the public unveiling of the navalized TAI Hürjet concept during SAHA Expo 2026.

According to information displayed by TUSAŞ and first reported by Turkish defense media, the aircraft is envisioned with:

• STOBAR capability
• possible CATOBAR evolution
• reinforced structure
• strengthened landing gear
• arrestor hook
• aerodynamic modifications for carrier operations

Rather than a simple naval trainer, the aircraft appears designed as a light carrier-based combat platform capable of complementing combat drones aboard the future MUGEM carrier.

Spain’s Industrial Connection

Spain is already indirectly linked to the Hürjet family through the ITS-C / Saeta II program, which will replace the Spanish Air Force’s F-5M fleet using a version developed in cooperation with Airbus and multiple Spanish defense firms.

This makes the Hürjet platform particularly relevant for Spain from an industrial perspective:

• avionics
• simulation
• software
• maintenance
• systems integration

The more the Hürjet family expands — including naval or light attack variants — the more strategically important the program could become for Spanish industry.

A Real Alternative to the F-35B?

For now, presenting the TB3 or Hürjet Naval as direct replacements for the McDonnell Douglas AV-8B Harrier II would be premature.

The Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II remains vastly superior in:

• stealth
• sensors
• network warfare
• air superiority

But the debate is no longer solely about “which fighter to buy.”

The real question is what kind of carrier aviation model Spain wants for the future:

• an LHD centered around V/STOL aircraft
• a mixed force of drones and light manned platforms
• or a future transition toward more complex STOBAR/CATOBAR operations

And in that evolving discussion, Turkey is unexpectedly emerging as a relevant player in Spain’s strategic naval aviation debate.

Contacts confirmed between Turkey and Spain regarding the KAAN as a new strategic horizon for fifth-generation aviation

In a move that has sent ripples through the international defense community, the CEO of Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ), Mehmet Demiroğlu, has officially confirmed that high-level, government-to-government talks are underway with Spain regarding the KAAN fifth-generation fighter jet. This revelation suggests that Madrid is actively looking beyond traditional suppliers to secure its aerial superiority for the coming decades.

The dialogue began after the Spanish Air and Space Force requested detailed technical data on the KAAN, seeking a high-end stealth solution to modernize its aging fleet. This interest represents a potential "Plan B" for Spain, offering a strategic alternative to the American F-35 monopoly. By exploring the KAAN, Spain is positioning itself to bridge the technological gap until the European FCAS (Future Combat Air System) becomes a reality in the 2040s, all while maintaining a level of industrial independence that few other platforms can guarantee.

What makes this potential partnership particularly compelling is the established industrial synergy between the two nations. The "KAAN contact" is built on the solid foundation of the recent Hürjet deal, where Spain committed to 30 Turkish supersonic trainers. Unlike the rigid export structures of other stealth programs, the Turkish proposal emphasizes a partnership model. This would allow Spanish giants like Indra and Airbus Spain to integrate their own systems and participate in the global supply chain, ensuring that the investment translates into local jobs and sovereign technological growth.Ultimately, the KAAN represents a unique opportunity for Spain to become the first NATO and EU member to join Turkey in this ambitious aerospace journey. As the Spanish Air Force prepares for the inevitable retirement of its F-18s, the KAAN offers a twin-engine, heavy-payload stealth platform that fits the country's strategic needs. If these talks evolve into a formal agreement, it could redefine the European defense landscape, proving that strategic autonomy is best achieved through diverse and bold international collaborations.

Spain’s “Saeta II”: Could the Extra 15 Aircraft Signal a Future Light Attack Role?

Spain is moving ahead with the introduction of the TAI Hürjet—to be locally designated “Saeta II”—as the replacement for the Northrop F-5M, with an initial batch of around 30 aircraft set to cover advanced jet training requirements.

However, the Spanish Council of Ministers has authorized the acquisition of up to 45 aircraft, leaving an open question about the role of the additional 15 units.

While no official details have been provided, the baseline requirement for training appears to be largely covered by the first tranche. This has led to growing speculation that the extra aircraft could support an expanded role beyond pure training.

The TAI Hürjet has been designed with the potential for a light attack configuration, a capability already under consideration by its manufacturer. If pursued, such a variant could provide Spain with a flexible, lower-cost platform for secondary missions, complementing high-end assets like the Eurofighter Typhoon.

For now, this remains speculative. But the structure of the program—30 aircraft for training, with authorization for 15 more—suggests that Spain may be leaving the door open to a broader operational concept.

Los cazas que podría operar España en un futuro portaaviones CATOBAR

 

La posible construcción de un portaaviones con sistema CATOBAR abriría un abanico completamente nuevo de opciones para la Armada española. A diferencia del actual LHD Juan Carlos I, limitado a aeronaves STOVL como el Harrier o el F-35B, un portaaviones CATOBAR permitiría operar cazas convencionales con mayor carga, alcance y versatilidad.

Los estudios de viabilidad ya apuntan a una ala embarcada de hasta 30 aeronaves, lo que situaría a España en un nivel completamente distinto dentro de la aviación naval europea.
En ese contexto, varias opciones empiezan a tomar forma, aunque con planteamientos muy distintos entre sí.

F/A-18 Super Hornet 

El F/A-18E/F Super Hornet se presenta, probablemente, como la opción más continuista para España en un escenario CATOBAR. Diseñado desde su origen para operaciones embarcadas, cuenta con décadas de experiencia en la Armada estadounidense, lo que le aporta una base operativa sólida y un sistema logístico plenamente maduro. Además, la experiencia previa española con la familia Hornet facilitaría una transición relativamente natural, tanto en la formación de pilotos como en el mantenimiento.
Sin embargo, se trata de un caza de cuarta generación en un entorno cada vez más condicionado por amenazas más avanzadas. Aunque sigue siendo una plataforma muy capaz, su relevancia a largo plazo en escenarios de alta intensidad genera dudas, especialmente a medida que los sistemas de quinta generación se generalizan. En este sentido, podría ofrecer una solución pragmática y de bajo riesgo en el corto plazo, pero con limitaciones claras a medida que evolucionen las necesidades operativas.

Rafale 

El Dassault Rafale M representa, probablemente, la alternativa europea más coherente en un escenario de portaaviones CATOBAR. Es, a día de hoy, el único caza no estadounidense plenamente operativo en este tipo de plataformas, lo que le otorga una ventaja significativa: no se trata de una solución teórica, sino de un sistema ya probado en servicio real. Su elevada polivalencia y su integración en el ecosistema industrial europeo encajan bien con las aspiraciones de autonomía estratégica que España ha venido mostrando en distintos programas de defensa.
Sin embargo, el componente industrial introduce algunas incertidumbres. Francia opera actualmente una flota relativamente limitada de Rafale M —en torno a unas cuarenta unidades— y el futuro de su sustituto naval dentro del programa FCAS sigue siendo incierto en su vertiente embarcada. En ese contexto, no es evidente que la producción del Rafale M se mantenga a largo plazo, lo que podría condicionar tanto la disponibilidad futura del modelo como su evolución.
Aun así, su elección también implicaría concentrar una parte importante de las capacidades en un único proveedor, en este caso Francia, algo que históricamente España ha tratado de evitar manteniendo cierto equilibrio entre socios. Además, aunque se trata de un caza muy avanzado dentro de su generación, su evolución tecnológica se sitúa por detrás de las plataformas de quinta generación. Pese a ello, en términos de equilibrio entre capacidades, viabilidad e integración política, el Rafale M se perfila como una de las opciones más realistas.

F-35C Lightning II 

El F-35C representa la opción más avanzada desde el punto de vista tecnológico en un escenario CATOBAR. Diseñado específicamente para operar desde portaaviones con catapultas, incorpora capacidades de baja observabilidad, sensores de última generación y una integración plena en entornos de guerra en red, lo que lo sitúa en una categoría claramente superior a los cazas de cuarta generación. Además, su uso por parte de la Marina estadounidense garantiza un alto grado de interoperabilidad con aliados clave y una base operativa ampliamente consolidada.
Sin embargo, su posible adopción por parte de España no puede analizarse únicamente en términos técnicos. En los últimos años, España ha descartado la adquisición del F-35B, en parte debido a las implicaciones de dependencia tecnológica asociadas al programa, un factor que también estaría presente en la versión naval. La integración en el ecosistema del F-35 implica un grado elevado de control externo sobre mantenimiento, actualizaciones y gestión de sistemas críticos, lo que plantea interrogantes en términos de soberanía operativa.
En este contexto, aunque el F-35C ofrecería la solución más avanzada desde el punto de vista militar, su adopción estaría condicionada por consideraciones políticas, industriales y estratégicas que van más allá de sus capacidades puramente operativas.

Hürjet 

El TAI Hürjet introduce una variable distinta dentro del debate, alejándose de los cazas embarcados tradicionales para situarse en un enfoque más ligero y potencialmente disruptivo. Aunque concebido originalmente como entrenador avanzado y avión de combate ligero, el desarrollo de una versión naval por parte de Turkish Aerospace Industries abre un escenario que, hasta hace poco, no formaba parte del análisis. Este movimiento coincide, además, con la decisión española de adquirir hasta 30 Hürjet dentro del programa Saeta II, lo que sugiere una convergencia interesante entre necesidades operativas e industrialización a medio plazo.
En paralelo, la Armada española se enfrenta a un problema estructural evidente: la retirada progresiva de los Harrier en la próxima década y la ausencia de un sustituto STOVL tras descartarse el F-35B. En ese contexto, un sistema más ligero, con menores costes de adquisición y operación, podría ofrecer una solución intermedia para preservar la aviación embarcada sin asumir las cargas económicas y logísticas asociadas a cazas pesados como el Super Hornet, el Rafale M o el F-35C. La posible evolución del Hürjet hacia una plataforma naval —con refuerzos estructurales, gancho de apontaje y adaptación a operaciones embarcadas— refuerza esa hipótesis.
Además, la creciente relación industrial entre España y Turquía aporta una dimensión adicional. La combinación de la experiencia española en construcción naval y operaciones embarcadas, junto con el desarrollo aeronáutico turco, podría sentar las bases de una solución conjunta más accesible y sostenible en el largo plazo. Sin que exista confirmación oficial de un vínculo directo entre ambos programas, la coincidencia temporal y estratégica resulta difícil de ignorar. En este sentido, el Hürjet no debe entenderse tanto como un sustituto directo de los cazas embarcados convencionales, sino como una posible vía para redefinir el modelo de aviación naval española en términos más realistas desde el punto de vista presupuestario y operativo.

Turkey Accelerates Construction of Its First Indigenous Aircraft Carrier, Launch Target Set for 2027

 

Turkey appears to be moving ahead at pace with the construction of its first indigenous aircraft carrier under the MUGEM National Aircraft Carrier program. According to statements by Rear Admiral Recep Erdinç Yetkin, commander of the Istanbul Naval Shipyard Command, the project has already reached several key milestones, with the steel cutting phase completed and testing infrastructure for aircraft operations now finished.

The Turkish Navy is reportedly aiming to launch the ship by the end of 2027, a timeline that suggests Ankara is accelerating its ambitions to join the small group of nations capable of building and operating large aircraft carriers.

While the launch date does not mean the ship will enter service immediately—major warships typically require several years of fitting-out and sea trials—the target indicates that Turkey intends to move quickly in developing a new generation of naval aviation capabilities.

A Larger Step Beyond TCG Anadolu

The new carrier would represent a significant leap beyond Turkey’s current flagship, the TCG Anadolu, which entered service in 2023 as a light aircraft carrier and amphibious assault ship.

Unlike Anadolu, which displaces around 27,000 tons, the MUGEM carrier is expected to reach approximately 55,000–60,000 tons, placing it in the same general size category as the Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier operated by the United Kingdom.

Preliminary figures discussed by Turkish defense sources suggest the new ship could measure around 285–300 meters in length, with a wide flight deck equipped with a ski-jump ramp and multiple aircraft elevators.

A Drone-Centric Air Wing

What makes the MUGEM project particularly interesting is its unconventional aviation concept. Rather than relying primarily on traditional carrier fighters, Turkey is investing heavily in unmanned combat aircraft designed for naval operations.

Among the systems expected to operate from the carrier are:

• Bayraktar TB3, a navalized drone with folding wings designed for ski-jump takeoffs
• Bayraktar Kızılelma, a jet-powered unmanned combat aircraft capable of air-to-air and strike missions

These drones are being developed primarily by Baykar, in coordination with the Turkish defense industry.

If this concept materializes as planned, the MUGEM carrier could operate dozens of unmanned aircraft simultaneously, creating a highly distributed and flexible air wing.

The Possibility of a Naval Hürjet

In addition to drones, Turkish planners have also discussed the possibility of a navalized version of the TAI Hürjet, the country’s new advanced jet trainer developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries.

A carrier-capable Hürjet would likely require structural reinforcement and an arrestor hook for deck landings. However, since the current design of the MUGEM carrier is believed to rely on a ski-jump launch system rather than catapults, the feasibility of operating such aircraft from the ship remains uncertain.

For now, drones appear to be the primary focus of Turkey’s future naval aviation plans.

A Potential First in Naval Aviation

If Turkey successfully integrates large numbers of combat drones into its carrier air wing, the MUGEM project could represent a significant shift in naval warfare concepts.

In fact, Turkey could end up fielding the first carrier air wing dominated by drones, something that even the United States Navy and the People's Liberation Army Navy have not yet achieved.

While both navies are experimenting with unmanned systems, neither currently operates a carrier whose air wing is designed primarily around drones.

Looking Toward the 2030s

Even if the ship is launched in 2027, analysts expect several years of testing and integration before the vessel becomes operational. A realistic timeline for entry into service could place the MUGEM carrier in the early 2030s.

Still, the project highlights Turkey’s ambition to become a major naval power with indigenous carrier-building capability, while simultaneously experimenting with new concepts in naval aviation that could influence the future of carrier operations worldwide.

Spain, Airbus and the Signals Behind a Strategic Meeting

Yesterday Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez met with Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury in Madrid, in a high-level meeting attended by Defence Minister Margarita Robles and other senior government officials.
Officially, the meeting was framed as a reaffirmation of Spain’s commitment to the aerospace and defence sector and to strengthening cooperation with Airbus.

A familiar pattern
Spain and Airbus have followed a similar script before.
A comparable meeting in 2020 between the Spanish government and Airbus leadership was followed by several major defence commitments, including:

• The Spanish advanced jet trainer programme based on the TAI Hürjet

• Procurement of Airbus C295 maritime patrol aircraft
• Industrial participation in the Future Combat Air System (FCAS)
• Workshare in the Eurodrone programme
• The Eurofighter Typhoon fighter acquisition programmes Halcón I and Halcón II

The precedent has not gone unnoticed among defence observers.

The Eurofighter factor

Spain has already committed to 45 new Eurofighters through the Halcón I and Halcón II programmes, aimed at replacing ageing McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet fighters. The first batch of 20 aircraft was approved in 2022, followed by 25 additional fighters under Halcón II, which will begin deliveries around 2030.

But speculation in defence circles increasingly points toward the possibility of a future Halcón III phase. Such a programme — potentially involving later-generation Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft — has been mentioned as a possible procurement to further expand Spain’s fighter fleet or replace additional legacy platforms.

The discussion also comes at a delicate moment for Europe’s next-generation fighter ambitions. Tensions between France and Airbus over the industrial leadership of the Future Combat Air System programme have recently resurfaced, with some French voices even suggesting the project could stall if disagreements persist.

In that context, a potential Halcón III could serve not only as a capability reinforcement for Spain but also as an industrial bridge, sustaining Eurofighter production and aerospace activity while Europe’s sixth-generation fighter programme continues to navigate its political and industrial challenges.

If confirmed, Halcón III could extend Eurofighter production in Spain well into the late 2030s and further strengthen the country’s role within the European fighter ecosystem.

Signals circulating in defence circles

Beyond the fighter programmes, several additional projects are now being discussed following the Sánchez–Faury meeting. Among the possibilities circulating in specialised defence discussions:

• Additional tanker aircraft

Spain is reportedly exploring the acquisition of three additional Airbus A330 MRTT tanker aircraft to reinforce its aerial refuelling and strategic transport capacity.

• VIP transport replacement

The Spanish Air Force’s ageing Airbus A310 government transport aircraft are also believed to be approaching retirement.
Possible replacements under discussion include the Airbus A350 or the long-range Airbus A321XLR.

• A400M fleet expansion

Spain is also reportedly considering bringing additional aircraft from its order of Airbus A400M Atlas transports into active service, reversing earlier plans to sell part of the fleet on the export market.

Reading the official message

Following the meeting, the Spanish government emphasised the importance of strengthening public-private cooperation in defence industry programmes, expanding aerospace research and development, reinforcing Europe’s strategic autonomy in defence and consolidating Spain’s industrial role in major aerospace projects
None of these statements explicitly announce new procurements but historically, such meetings between Madrid and Airbus have often preceded significant defence industrial commitments.

Between tanker aircraft discussions, transport fleet adjustments, potential VIP replacements and rumours of a future Halcón III, the signals coming from Madrid suggest that Spain may be entering another phase of aerospace investment.
Whether these signals translate into concrete contracts remains to be seen.
But if past precedent is any guide, the conversation between the Spanish government and Airbus leadership may only be the beginning.

HÜRJET Goes Naval: Strategic Implications for Spain’s Future Aircraft Carrier and the Saeta II Programme

 

Recent statements by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ) regarding the development of a naval variant of the HÜRJET advanced trainer and light combat aircraft open a strategically significant window for Spain. This development comes at a time when Madrid is actively evaluating the construction of a future conventional aircraft carrier and has already signed an agreement to acquire up to 30 HÜRJET aircraft — designated Saeta II — for the Ejército del Aire y del Espacio. While these initiatives are officially treated as separate programmes, their convergence in timing, industrial cooperation, and operational logic suggests a potentially deeper strategic linkage.

TUSAŞ CEO Dr. Mehmet Demiroğlu recently confirmed that Turkey is awaiting a formal order from the Turkish Navy for a carrier-capable HÜRJET, as part of Ankara’s Indigenous Aircraft Carrier Project. Alongside two prototypes currently flying, four additional airframes are under construction, with design work already underway to adapt the platform for maritime operations. These efforts focus on structural reinforcement, strengthened landing gear, arrestor hook integration, corrosion protection, and compatibility with ski-jump assisted take-off profiles. This confirms that HÜRJET is evolving beyond its original advanced training mission into a fully multi-role platform capable of supporting fixed-wing naval aviation.

In parallel, Spain is reassessing its long-term naval aviation posture. The Spanish Navy faces the approaching retirement of its AV-8B Harrier II Plus fleet during the 2030s, combined with the absence of a direct STOVL replacement following the decision not to pursue the F-35B. At the same time, strategic planning increasingly points toward the construction of a future conventional aircraft carrier, potentially larger and more capable than the current Juan Carlos I amphibious assault ship. In this context, the availability of a light, affordable, navalised supersonic aircraft such as HÜRJET introduces a new operational and financial equation.

Spain’s acquisition of up to 30 HÜRJET aircraft under the Saeta II programme is officially framed as an advanced trainer and lead-in fighter solution for the Ejército del Aire y del Espacio. However, the platform’s inherent capabilities — including supersonic performance, modern avionics, multi-mode radar, secure data links, and weapons integration — provide it with credible secondary roles in air policing, light strike, and maritime security missions. When combined with the emerging naval variant, this raises the possibility that Spain is deliberately positioning itself inside the HÜRJET ecosystem to retain long-term access to future carrier-capable configurations.

From an operational standpoint, a conventional aircraft carrier equipped with catapult or ski-jump launch systems would face major budgetary, logistical, and political barriers if tasked with operating heavy multirole fighters such as the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, Rafale M, or F-35C. By contrast, a navalised HÜRJET would offer significantly lower acquisition and life-cycle costs, reduced maintenance complexity, and a smaller logistical footprint. Such a solution would allow Spain to preserve organic fixed-wing naval aviation capability while avoiding the financial burden associated with high-end carrier aviation, creating a more sustainable long-term force structure.

The deepening defence-industrial relationship between Spain and Turkey further reinforces this strategic logic. Spain represents a highly valuable European naval partner for Turkey, offering political credibility within NATO and access to a mature maritime operational culture. Spain’s advanced shipbuilding sector, led by Navantia, brings decades of experience in the design and construction of aircraft carriers, amphibious assault ships, and complex naval combatants. Additionally, the Spanish Navy contributes substantial expertise in carrier and expeditionary operations, accumulated through over four decades of continuous Harrier-based naval aviation. This combination makes Spain an ideal partner for the development, validation, and operational refinement of a future naval HÜRJET.

From Spain’s perspective, participation in the HÜRJET programme may offer more than simply a modern training aircraft. It provides early exposure to a potential future naval fighter ecosystem, access to evolving carrier compatibility solutions, and industrial opportunities that could feed directly into its own aircraft carrier ambitions. This dual-track approach preserves strategic flexibility while keeping costs under control — a critical factor in today’s constrained European defence budgets.

While no official statements currently confirm a direct link between Spain’s carrier project and the naval HÜRJET programme, the strategic alignment is increasingly difficult to ignore. Spain appears to be methodically rebuilding its fixed-wing naval aviation knowledge base, securing long-term access to affordable carrier-capable platforms, and maintaining operational continuity beyond the Harrier era. In this sense, Saeta II may represent far more than a trainer acquisition — it could well form the foundation of Spain’s next-generation carrier air wing.