U.S. moves to supply engines for Turkish Kaan fighter jets

The U.S. government has formally notified Congress of its intention to sell over $700 million worth of engines for Turkey's indigenous Kaan fighter jet program. This decision comes ahead of the NATO summit in Ankara scheduled for July 7-8, 2026. President Donald Trump has signaled strong political support for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, characterizing him as a friend and key ally. While the U.S. State Department cited geopolitical and military factors for the potential sale, some lawmakers, including Democrat Gregory Meeks, have expressed strong objections citing Turkey's continued possession of Russian S-400 defense systems. Reports indicate that using American F-110 engines in the Kaan may limit certain stealth capabilities compared to true fifth-generation standards. However, the Turkish media notes that the jet will still offer significant operational advantages over the current F-16 fleet. President Trump also stated he personally requested that Erdogan stay out of the Israel-Iran conflict, a request he claims was honored. The proposal currently faces a 15-day review period in Congress, during which legislators may attempt to block the deal.