Turkish Aerospace Hürkuş is a Turkish tandem-seat, single-engine turboprop trainer family developed by TUSAŞ, with a mission-aircraft configuration for light attack, armed reconnaissance, and special-task training. TUSAŞ identifies Niger as the first export user of the mission variant and Chad as a later recipient; one Nigerien Hürkuş was reported destroyed during the January 2026 Islamic State attack on Niamey's Air Base 101.
A Niger Air Force Hürkuş trainer/light-attack aircraft was among military aircraft DefenceWeb reported destroyed during the 28/29 January 2026 Islamic State attack on Air Base 101 and Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey; TUSAŞ separately identifies Niger as the mission variant's first export user.
The sourced public record distinguishes the certified trainer line from the export mission-aircraft configuration. The mission aircraft keeps the trainer base but adds stores, sensors, and self-protection equipment for armed reconnaissance and light-attack work.
| Configuration | Documented role | Sourced equipment context |
|---|---|---|
| HÜRKUŞ-B | Basic trainer | TUSAŞ describes a 15-aircraft Turkish Air Force production contract and later new-generation trainer activity tied to planned 2026 deliveries. |
| HÜRKUŞ Görev Uçağı | Light attack and armed reconnaissance | TUSAŞ lists five external load stations, EO/IR camera, laser-guided rockets, smart micro munitions, countermeasure dispensers, rough-field operation, and a payload capacity up to 650 kg. |
| Niger export aircraft | Sahel counter-insurgency air asset | TUSAŞ identifies Niger as the first export user of the mission aircraft; DefenceWeb later reported one Nigerien Hürkuş destroyed in the January 2026 Islamic State attack in Niamey. |
The Hürkuş family separates basic trainer development from the mission-aircraft configuration used for light attack, armed reconnaissance, and special-task training.
| Variant | Configuration | Designation notes |
|---|---|---|
| HÜRKUŞ-A | Trainer development and certification configuration | The early aircraft led the type-certification effort that TUSAŞ says culminated in SHGM and EASA validation on 11 July 2016. Sources: HÜRKUŞ - TUSAS, HÜRKUŞ, SHGM ve EASA Sertifikasyon - TUSAS |
| HÜRKUŞ-B | New-generation basic trainer | TUSAŞ says the HÜRKUŞ-B contract was signed on 26 December 2013 for 15 Turkish Air Force basic trainer aircraft. Sources: HÜRKUŞ - TUSAS |
| HÜRKUŞ-C / HÜRKUŞ Görev Uçağı | Mission aircraft for light attack and armed reconnaissance | The mission-aircraft page describes five external stations, EO/IR sensing, laser-guided rockets, smart micro munitions, CMDS, rough-field capability, and a payload of up to 650 kg. Sources: HÜRKUŞ GÖREV UÇAĞI - TUSAS |
| HÜRKUŞ-II | New-generation trainer configuration | TUSAŞ says a 3 May 2021 contract change started activities for the new-generation trainer design and production, with delivery to the Turkish Air Force planned in 2026. Sources: HÜRKUŞ - TUSAS |
TUSAŞ says the HÜRKUŞ-B production contract was signed for 15 new-generation basic trainer aircraft for the Turkish Air Force.
Sources: HÜRKUŞ - TUSAS
TUSAŞ says HÜRKUŞ received its TT32 type certificate from SHGM and EASA validation on the same day, making it the first Turkish aircraft certified by EASA.
Sources: HÜRKUŞ - TUSAS, HÜRKUŞ, SHGM ve EASA Sertifikasyon - TUSAS
TUSAŞ says a contract change with the Presidency of Defence Industries started new-generation basic trainer design and production activity.
Sources: HÜRKUŞ - TUSAS
TUSAŞ says HÜRKUŞ Görev Uçağı was first exported to Niger and later delivered to Chad, while the mission-variant fleet passed 1,000 flight hours.
Sources: HÜRKUŞ GÖREV UÇAĞI - TUSAS
DefenceWeb reported that one TAI Hürkuş trainer/light-attack aircraft was destroyed during the Islamic State attack on Air Base 101 and Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey.
Sources: DefenceWeb Niamey Air Base Attack
