Key facts
- The Trump administration has notified Congress of its intent to sell over $700 million of jet engines to Turkey.
- The engines are intended for Turkey's Kaan fighter jet program.
- The sale proceeds despite objections from some U.S. lawmakers.
- The move is considered a diplomatic gesture ahead of an upcoming NATO summit.
- Turkey's acquisition of Russian S-400 defense systems previously led to its exclusion from the F-35 program.
The Trump administration has formally notified Congress of its intention to sell General Electric jet engines to Turkey, valued at over $700 million. This move is intended to power Turkey's domestically developed Kaan fighter aircraft, a key component of Ankara's defense self-sufficiency efforts.
The sale proceeds despite objections from some U.S. lawmakers, including Representative Gregory Meeks, who had raised concerns during the informal review process. These objections stem partly from Turkey's continued possession of Russian S-400 defense systems, acquired in 2019, which led to its exclusion from the F-35 program.
Analysts view the sale as a significant diplomatic gesture aimed at reinforcing ties with Ankara, particularly ahead of a pivotal NATO summit scheduled for July 7-8, which Turkey is set to host. The transaction had been stalled in the congressional review pipeline for about a year, with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan having publicly expressed frustration over the delays.