The first Hürjet trainer aircraft to be delivered to the Turkish Air Forces Command completed its maiden flight on Sunday, marking the 104th anniversary of Victory Day.
Developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) with national resources under the coordination of the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB), the Hürjet successfully completed its first flight following ground and taxi tests.
"The first Hürjet to be delivered to our Air Forces Command successfully completed its maiden flight after ground and taxi tests. The will that carried our independence to victory will continue to soar on the wings of our national aviation today," said Haluk Görgün, head of the SSB.
"I thank our Air Forces Command, TAI personnel, engineers, technicians, and all stakeholders who contributed to this pride," Görgün said in a statement shared on X.
"I commemorate with mercy, gratitude, and respect all our heroes who fought for our independence, especially Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and his comrades-in-arms. Happy 30th August Victory Day!"
Hürjet is Türkiye's indigenous, single-engine, tandem-seat, supersonic advanced jet trainer and light combat aircraft, developed by TAI.
"A new chapter begins for Hürjet. On the 104th anniversary of Türkiye’s August 30 Victory Day, the first Hürjet Jet Trainer destined for the Turkish Air Force has successfully taken to the skies, marking another important milestone on its journey toward operational service," its developer said separately on X.
Victory Day marks the final battle in western Anatolia against Greek forces in 1922 and is dedicated to the Turkish Armed Forces.
Turkish forces fought the Battle of Dumlupınar from Aug. 26 to Aug. 30 in what is now Türkiye's central Kütahya province, where the invading Greek army was decisively defeated.
By the end of 1922, all foreign forces had been expelled from territories that collectively became the Republic of Türkiye one year later.
