On July 22, 2024, GE Aerospace announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Turkish Aerospace and TUSAŞ Engine Industries Inc. (TEI) to evaluate and collaborate on integrating GE Aerospace’s F404 engine into new HÜRJET aircraft variants, an extension of the companies’ current relationship on the HÜRJET program.

The agreement reflects the success of the HÜRJET advanced training jet program, the first aircraft of its type to be manufactured in Türkiye. The collaboration, which extends the three companies’ existing collaboration on phase 1 of the HÜRJET program, supports Türkiye’s advanced-technology industrial base and strengthens its position as a technology and engineering hub for the global and defense aviation industry. 

The prior agreement among the three companies saw the F404 engine successfully incorporated into the Turkish Air Force’s HÜRJET training jet, which is currently undergoing qualification. The HÜRJET is expected to be highly competitive in the global training jet market.

“This aircraft fulfils a critical role in modern pilot training by delivering excellent performance in a single-engine, tandem-seat configuration, alongside modern avionics and high-performance features. We believe this MOU will bring success to all parties,” said Dr. Mehmet Demiroğlu, President and CEO of Turkish Aerospace.

Under the agreement, the three companies agreed to pursue collaboration on flight testing of the HÜRJET program’s new variants and to explore applications of other engine and system products of GE Aerospace's Defense & Systems business. For these new variants and potential new customers, the parties are exploring TEI, a joint venture company between GE Aerospace and Turkish Aerospace established in 1985, to perform the assembly, inspection, and testing of the F404 engines in Türkiye. TEI would also provide assembly, maintenance, repair, and overhaul for the engine for Turkish Aerospace HÜRJET aircraft and export customers. The subject agreement will also serve the purpose of enabling TEI to potentially provide services for global F404 end-users for platforms other than HÜRJET.

“For the past 40 years, TEI has been a major manufacturing supplier for military and commercial engines for international OEMs, as well as an exceptional authorized service provider for various military engines worldwide,” said Prof. Mahmut F. Akşit, General Manager, TEI. “Today’s agreement reflects this heritage and extends our work on one of the nation’s most important aircraft programs. TEI plans to perform production of the engines and provide integrated logistics support (ILS) for end-users. We strongly believe that our solid commitment and partnership in the program will add another success story to Türkiye’s defense and aviation industries.”

TEI is an important contributor to GE Aerospace’s global supply chain – manufacturing hundreds of engine components for GE Aerospace and its partners (includes CFM International engines), including turbines and compressors for CFM LEAP, GEnx, and GE9X engines, and prototyping for the CFM RISE (Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engines, RISE is a registered trademark of CFM International) program.

“Through this MOU, GE Aerospace is proud to deepen our nearly six-decade commitment to Türkiye’s economic development and participate in a program that builds on the strengths of each party to create a program with global prospects,” said Amy Gowder, President & CEO, Defense & System at GE Aerospace. “As long-term partners, GE Aerospace, Turkish Aerospace, and TEI complement one another, enabling continued success for the HÜRJET program.”

Sixteen nations have F404-powered aircraft in operation or on order, reflecting the turbofan engine’s position as one of the most versatile engines in its class and a proven engine of choice for Air Force applications around the globe.

GE Aerospace has been a committed partner to Türkiye for nearly 60 years. With offices and facilities located in Istanbul, Ankara, and Gebze, GE Aerospace's 440+ employees support an installed base of more than 2,300 commercial and defense engines across the country. The highly skilled engineers at the Türkiye Technology Center also contribute to GE Aerospace’s engineering work on indigenous programs, new engine programs, software development, and additive manufacturing, supporting the country’s position as an advanced aerospace hub.