Re Hürjet, possible future interest of Japan to replace their aging T-4s. Looks like TAI also offered Hürkuş back in 2024. Japan had selected the T-6 Texan instead.
A dark horse to succeed the JASDF T-4? What is this "supersonic" trainer aircraft that could break the South Korean dominance? Manufacturers "have a strong interest in Japan," and Airbus is also cooperating.
"...In fact, TAI also has its sights set on Japan. I asked a TUSAŞ representative whether they intended to propose the T-4 trainer as a successor to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, and they replied, "We haven't made a decision yet, but we have a strong interest."
About 10 years ago, they probably asked that as a polite formality, knowing that I was Japanese. However, in 2024, TAI proposed a training system centered on their turboprop trainer "Hürks" for the competition to select the T-7 primary trainer aircraft for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force.
Furthermore, on May 6, 2026, Japan and Turkey exchanged a document confirming their commitment to accelerating cooperation in the field of defense equipment between the two countries, thus strengthening defense cooperation between Japan and Turkey compared to 2024.
I've heard that TAI was perplexed by Japan's unique defense equipment procurement situation during the competition for the successor to the T-7 trainer aircraft. However, if they propose the Hulje (SAETA II) this time, it's expected that they'll have the strong support of Airbus. Perhaps the Hulje (SAETA II) could become a dark horse for the T-4 successor..."
トルコの航空機メーカーが開発中の超音速練習/軽戦闘機「ヒュルジェ」。2026年4月に開催された防衛総合イベントで実大模型が展示されましたが、実は日本の航空自衛隊の次期練習機候補としても関心が持たれています。(1/2 ページ)
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