US notifies Congress of $700 million jet engine sale to Turkey

The Trump administration has formally notified Congress of a plan to sell more than $700 million worth of General Electric F110 turbofan engines to Turkey. The engines are intended to power Turkey’s indigenous KAAN fighter‑jet program, the country’s first domestically developed combat aircraft.

The notification triggers a 15‑day congressional review period, during which members can attempt to block the sale; the president retains the authority to veto any such blockage. Some lawmakers oppose the deal because of Turkey’s 2019 purchase of the Russian S‑400 air‑defence system, which led to U.S. sanctions and the suspension of Turkey’s participation in the F‑35 program. President Trump reportedly said, “I will do something that will make them very happy,” referring to the proposed engine sale.

The move signals a possible thaw in strained U.S.–Turkey defence relations and could enhance Turkey’s long‑term military capabilities, but it remains subject to congressional scrutiny.