The Ministry of Defense is considering expanding its order for Saeta II advanced trainer aircraft for the Spanish Air and Space Force from 30 to 45 units. The potential addition of 15 aircraft was announced by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) Chief Executive Mehmet Demiroglu at an event in Turkey, while industry sources consulted by Infodefensa say the option is under consideration.
The expansion has not yet been finalized. The program awarded in December 2025, valued at €2.6 billion, initially covers 30 aircraft and is being carried out by a joint venture formed by TAI and Airbus. The figure of 45 units had already appeared in the royal decree governing the funding granted to Airbus to launch the project, although subsequent negotiations reduced the initial batch.
Converting the Hürjet into the Saeta II
The Saeta II will be a Spain-specific adaptation of the Hürjet, a single-engine supersonic aircraft developed by TAI. Airbus will lead the integration of equipment and systems from Spanish companies to adapt the platform to the requirements of the Spanish Air and Space Force. The industrial agreement was officially signed in April 2026 at Airbus’s Getafe facility.
The planned schedule divides the program into two stages. Starting in 2028, 21 aircraft in an initial configuration for fighter-pilot training will arrive from Turkey. The second phase will be carried out in Spain, involving the conversion of the aircraft and deliveries of the remaining nine units between 2031 and 2035.
The project also includes the establishment of an Aircraft Conversion Center in Albacete, the refurbishment of the Training Center at the Fighter and Attack School at Talavera la Real Air Base, and operations and maintenance services at that facility. Spanish companies involved in the program include Aciturri, Aernnova, Aertec, Airtificial, Amper, GMV, Indra, ITP Aero, Grupo Oesía, Orbital and Sener.
