US Congress faces $700 million engine sale to Turkey for KAAN fighter

The Trump administration officially notified Congress of its intent to approve the export of General Electric F110 fighter engines to Turkey, a deal valued at more than $700 million. The engines are slated for the domestically‑developed Turkish KAAN fighter jet, which currently will rely on the U.S. engines until a home‑grown powerplant is completed.

Democratic members of the House and Senate have voiced strong objections, citing Turkey’s continued operation of the Russian S‑400 air‑defence system and recent U.S. sanctions. The sale is presented as a goodwill gesture ahead of the NATO summit scheduled for July 7‑8 in Istanbul, and is intended to reinforce Turkey’s role as a NATO ally.

The move underscores a shift in U.S. policy toward Ankara after a year of strained relations, while also highlighting domestic political scrutiny over arms transfers that could affect broader security and alliance dynamics.