Decorated F-35 Pilot Evaluates Turkish HÜRJET Advanced Jet Trainer for UK Program

Ascent Flight Training, the lead partner for the United Kingdom Military Flying Training System (UKMFTS), recently conducted an in-depth assessment of the Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ) HÜRJET advanced jet trainer at its Ankara facilities. A significant part of this evaluation included qualified flight instructor (QFI) Gary Clark, a highly decorated F-35B Lightning II pilot, taking the opportunity to experience the indigenous Turkish aircraft.

Clark, who served nearly six years operating the F-35B with the British Royal Navy, visited TUSAŞ as part of Ascent Flight Training’s ongoing efforts. This visit is directly linked to the Royal Air Force’s broader initiative to identify potential successors for its aging Hawk jet training fleet.

Lieutenant Commander Gary Clark’s credentials underscore the gravity of this assessment. In September 2025, he was awarded the prestigious Queen Elizabeth Sword by the Fleet Air Arm – an honor bestowed annually upon only one individual – for his instrumental contributions to developing F-35B deployment procedures for the Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers. An evaluation of the HÜRJET by a pilot of Clark’s caliber signifies that the UK’s review extends beyond mere bureaucratic procedure, incorporating critical operational perspectives from a seasoned fifth-generation fighter pilot.

Ascent Flight Training confirmed that this visit is a crucial component of the UK’s Defence Investment Plan, which outlines the Jet Training System (JTS) program. This program is designed to replace the current Hawk T1 and T2 training aircraft. While the precise acquisition strategy for the JTS program remains under development, Ascent emphasized the critical importance of thoroughly understanding all available training aircraft and associated training systems in the market, in its capacity as the UKMFTS Training Service Partner.

The HÜRJET evaluation is the latest in a series of global platform assessments conducted by Ascent. Previous examinations have included the Leonardo M-346 at Italy’s International Flight Training School (IFTS) and the Korea Aerospace Industries T-50 in Sacheon, South Korea. Ascent’s next stop is reportedly Switzerland, where they will conduct an on-site review of Pilatus’ PC-21-based training system.

The timing of Ascent’s visit coincides with HÜRJET’s increasing international market momentum. In January 2026, the HÜRJET secured its inaugural export contract with Spain, a significant €2.6 billion agreement. Under this deal, 30 HÜRJET aircraft are slated for delivery to the Spanish Air and Space Force, where they will replace the aging F-5M fleet. Deliveries are projected to commence in 2028, with the Spanish-configured aircraft expected to achieve operational service entry by 2031. Domestically, the first production-series HÜRJET for the Turkish Air Force recently completed its maiden flight, marking another key milestone for the program.

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