The Trump administration is preparing to move ahead with the sale of General Electric jet engines for Turkey’s indigenous KAAN fighter aircraft despite objections from some members of Congress.
According to a recent report, the proposed package, valued at more than $700 million, would provide engines for Turkey’s next-generation combat aircraft program. The KAAN fighter is a cornerstone of Ankara’s efforts to build a domestic aerospace industry and reduce reliance on foreign military platforms.
The move comes ahead of a NATO summit scheduled to take place in Turkey next month and is likely to be viewed as a significant gesture toward Ankara amid efforts to improve bilateral ties.
Turkey launched the KAAN program in 2016 as part of a broader push to develop homegrown defense technologies. The stealth fighter is intended to eventually replace the country’s aging fleet of F-16 aircraft.
The aircraft has become one of Turkey’s most ambitious aerospace projects, aimed at giving the country an advanced combat jet capability while expanding its defense manufacturing base.
According to the report, the engines will be supplied by General Electric and will power the first generation of KAAN aircraft. Securing a reliable engine source is considered critical for the program as Turkey continues work on an indigenous powerplant.
The proposed sale highlights improving ties between Washington and Ankara under President Donald Trump, who has maintained a relatively warm relationship with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Asked about the engines, Turkey’s participation in the F-35 program, and the upcoming NATO summit, Trump told reporters: “I’m going to probably do something that will make them very happy.”
The engine package, however, does not address Turkey’s broader objective of rejoining the F-35 stealth fighter program, from which it was removed after purchasing Russia’s S-400 air defense system.
The dispute over the S-400 system continues to complicate defense relations between the two NATO allies. US law currently prevents Turkey from operating the Russian-made system while participating in the F-35 program.
Congressional concerns over Turkey’s defense policies also remain. As per the report, Representative Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, objected to the proposed engine sale during the informal review process.
Despite those objections, the administration is expected to proceed with the transaction and formally notify Congress in the coming days. Congressional opposition can influence major arms sales but does not necessarily block them if an administration decides to move forward.
Vice President JD Vance said officials are reviewing whether Turkey has met the legal requirements needed for a potential return to the F-35 program. “Pete and the entire team are reviewing this right now, because there are certain things that we have to certify have happened … in order to comply with American law.”
For Turkey, the engine deal could provide a boost to the KAAN program as it works toward fielding a domestically developed fighter jet, even as larger questions surrounding the F-35 and the S-400 system remain unresolved.
With over a decade-long career in journalism, Neetika Walter has worked with The Economic Times, ANI, and Hindustan Times, covering politics, business, technology, and the clean energy sector. Passionate about contemporary culture, books, poetry, and storytelling, she brings depth and insight to her writing. When she isn’t chasing stories, she’s likely lost in a book or enjoying the company of her dogs.
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