ALBAWABA- The Trump administration has formally notified Congress of a proposed sale of more than $700 million worth of General Electric F-110 jet engines to Turkey, advancing a deal intended to support Ankara’s indigenous KAAN fifth-generation fighter program.
The engines would power Turkey’s next-generation combat aircraft, a flagship defense project designed to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers, including its aging fleet of U.S.-made F-16s.
The notification moves forward despite longstanding congressional objections tied to Turkey’s continued possession of Russia’s S-400 air defense system, which led to Ankara’s removal from the F-35 program and the imposition of sanctions under the CAATSA framework. Rep. Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, has criticized the administration for proceeding without deeper congressional scrutiny.
Under U.S. law, Congress now has 15 days to consider a joint resolution of disapproval, which would require approval in both chambers and could still be subject to a presidential veto.
President Donald Trump has signaled support for closer defense cooperation with Ankara, describing Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as a “strong NATO member” and a “respected leader,” and suggesting openness to expanded military ties, including future discussions on F-35-related issues.
Turkish officials have welcomed the development as a step forward in defense relations and a boost to their long-standing push for greater self-reliance in advanced military technology, though President Erdogan has not yet publicly commented on the latest notification.
The move has also drawn concern from Israeli defense observers, who warn that expanded Turkish access to advanced U.S. aviation technology could shift regional airpower dynamics in the Middle East.
The proposed deal underscores Washington’s balancing act between congressional skepticism, NATO alliance management, and strategic engagement with Turkey amid broader geopolitical tensions involving Russia and regional security.
