30.10.2025 16:58
The Spanish government's approval to purchase 45 HÜRJET aircraft from Turkey has become the number one agenda item in the Greek press. The Europost news reported it with the headline "Erdoğan is making golden deals with our allies," while Banking News stated, "Despair for Athens, Turkey is arming itself."
The Spanish government has officially approved the purchase of HÜRJET, Turkey's first national jet training and light attack aircraft developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ).
With a contract worth 3.12 billion euros, 45 HÜRJET aircraft are expected to enter the inventory of the Spanish Air Force. The agreement marks the beginning of a new era for Turkey in the European defense market and has caused a significant stir in neighboring Greece.
"A MAJOR ENTRY INTO THE EUROPEAN DEFENSE MARKET"
One of Greece's leading newspapers, Kathimerini, described the agreement as "an important turning point for the Turkish aviation sector." The newspaper stated, "This agreement represents Turkey's significant entry into the European defense market to date."
"DESPAIR FOR ATHENS, TURKEY IS ARMING ITSELF"
Banking News, based in Athens, commented on the development in a more worried tone:
"Despair for Athens. Turkey is arming itself, providing HÜRJET to Spain, and acquiring new missiles."
The site also noted that the agreement includes NATO-standard combat pilot training, stating, "This process will enhance Turkey's operational readiness against complex security scenarios."
"A SIGN OF SPAIN'S CONFIDENCE IN THE TURKISH DEFENSE INDUSTRY"
Another Greek media outlet, SL Press, wrote that the agreement between Madrid and Ankara is "a concrete indication of Spain's confidence in the Turkish defense industry."
The report stated, "Initially, Madrid planned to procure 24 to 30 aircraft with a budget of 1.75 billion euros. However, the program was expanded to 45 aircraft, raising the total cost to 3.12 billion euros."
It was also emphasized that the contract offers a comprehensive system that includes not only the aircraft but also simulators, training centers, instructor training programs, and technical support.
"ERDOĞAN IS MAKING GOLDEN DEALS"
The European press outlet Europost reported the news under the headline "Erdoğan is making golden deals with our allies." The article noted that Madrid's decision is "the largest aviation investment in recent years," while stating that the Turkey-Spain cooperation opens "a new chapter" in defense.
"A STRATEGIC SPRINGBOARD"
The Greek newspaper Ethnos described the agreement as "a strategic springboard" for Turkey in its defense relations with Europe. The article stated, "The agreement with Spain represents the first jet aircraft export from Turkey to a NATO member country, marking the beginning of a new era in the Turkish defense industry. It also serves as a strategic springboard for Turkish companies to penetrate European defense markets more effectively."
"NEW SIGNATURES IN DEFENSE COOPERATION ARE ON THE HORIZON"
Ethnos also recalled Turkey's recent agreement with the UK regarding the Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets, making the following assessment: "After reaching an official agreement with the UK on Eurofighters, it is now Spain's turn to sign a significant defense cooperation agreement. With German Chancellor Merz's upcoming visit to Ankara, expectations are rising for the lifting of restrictions on critical military components and integration into the European security architecture."