The Spanish Ministry of Defense announced on December 20 that it had signed a memorandum of understanding with the Turkish Defense Industries Secretariat to develop an “advanced training system” for the fighter pilot trainees of the Ejército del Aire y del Espacio. Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) will develop the Hürjet training aircraft as the basis for the system.
Madrid intends to replace the F-5M Tiger that is currently in use to facilitate the operational transition of its future pilots. Previously, there was a discussion about potentially supporting the AFJT (Airbus Future Jet Trainer) project. This project aimed to create a new modular supersonic aircraft that could aid in pilot training and transformation for the FCAS (Future Air Combat System).
Nevertheless, it appears that Airbus stopped development of the project and has instead formed a partnership with the Italian company Leonardo to propose “advanced training systems” that are based on the M-346 Master training aircraft. The Italian Air Force (Aeronautica Militare) assisted in the establishment of the International Flight Training School (IFTS) in 2018 to use this aircraft for operational transition training for fighter pilot trainees.
Interestingly, Leonardo remains optimistic about introducing its M-346 Master to Spain, despite the fact that the TAI Hürjet is presently the leading contender. Last week, the specialized site InfoDefensa reported that a delegation from the Italian group visited Madrid to advocate for their aircraft with General Francisco Braco, Chief of Staff of the Ejército del Aire y del Espacio.
For context, Spain’s most recent procurement decision underscored the numerous advantages of the Hurjet in comparison to the M-346 Master. Its capacity to attain Mach 1.4 speeds offers a substantial advantage in training scenarios that necessitate the simulation of modern fighter jet performance. Additionally, its higher service ceiling of 45,000 feet enables the building of more extensive operational training environments. The Hurjet’s multi-role functionality allows it to function as a light attack aircraft capable of undertaking combat missions, in addition to serving as an advanced trainer. A payload capacity of approximately 2,721 kg facilitates this capability. Engineers designed the Hurjet to be cost-effective, potentially offering lower acquisition and operational costs compared to the M-346. This is essential for air forces that are striving to optimize their budgets.
To persuade Spain to select the M-346 Master over the Hurjet, Leonardo could emphasize several compelling advantages. Numerous air forces worldwide have successfully adopted the M-346 as a lead-in fighter trainer, ensuring its efficacy in preparing pilots for advanced combat aircraft. Its Embedded Tactical Training System (ETTS) enables the simulation of realistic combat scenarios, thereby optimizing training resources by eliminating the necessity for additional support aircraft. Engineers have engineered the M-346 to be cost-effective, with per-flying-hour expenses believed to be one-tenth of those of sophisticated fighters like the Eurofighter Typhoon. Consequently, it is a financially prudent decision. A full-authority quadruplex digital fly-by-wire flight control system equips the aircraft, enhancing its maneuverability and controllability at high angles of attack. Consequently, it offers comprehensive training that replicates the performance of a variety of fighter aircraft. Additionally, it is capable of conducting combat missions beyond training, such as air policing and close air support, due to its multi-role flexibility. The M-346’s modular avionics architecture enables the seamless integration of new technologies and the effortless upgrading of existing ones, thereby guaranteeing its continued relevance as military requirements evolve. Finally, Spain, as a NATO member, may favor an aircraft that is in accordance with NATO standards, which would facilitate interoperability with allied forces. Leonardo could effectively position the M-346 Master as a superior candidate for Spain’s advanced trainer requirements by emphasizing these advantages.
InfoDefensa suggests that the decision regarding the replacement of the F-5M Tiger remains unresolved. Additionally, Spanish pilots may not inherently favor the TAI Hürjet. The Center for Defense Studies conducted a 2020 study that found the M-346 Master to be the “best option” for ensuring the operational transition of future pilots in the Ejército del Aire y del Espacio, especially when compared to the South Korean KAI T-50 “Golden Eagle.”
The Russian manufacturer Yakovlev developed the Yak-130, from which the M-346 Master is a derivative. It is a twin-engine aircraft that is capable of flying at a speed of Mach 1.15. Equipped with a modern human-machine interface and fly-by-wire controls, it is a high-end training aircraft.
Spain evaluated numerous contenders to replace its aged fleet of Northrop F-5M Freedom Fighters. Key competitors included the Boeing T-7A Red Hawk, which was known for its sophisticated training systems and modern design; the Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) T-50/FA-50, which was acknowledged for its adaptability in both training and light combat roles; the Leonardo M-346 Master; and the TAI Hurjet.