Trump administration plans sale of aircraft engines to Turkey for Kaan fighter project

The Trump administration is preparing to finalize the sale of dozens of General Electric aircraft engines to Turkey, valued at over $700 million, to support the domestically produced Kaan fighter jet project. The initiative comes despite objections from members of the U.S. Congress, including Representative Gregory Meeks. This potential agreement serves as a diplomatic signal ahead of the NATO summit scheduled for July 7-8. The Kaan program, initiated in 2016, represents Turkey's strategy to enhance defense self-sufficiency. Relations between the two nations have been complicated by the prior U.S. removal of Turkey from the F-35 program following Ankara's purchase of Russian S-400 air defense systems. The decision to proceed follows public complaints from Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan regarding administrative delays. While the U.S. maintains the S-400s pose a security threat, current executive action aims to strengthen cooperation despite legislative opposition.