U.S. administration plans jet engine sale to Turkey despite congressional opposition

The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump intends to authorize the sale of dozens of General Electric jet engines to Turkey, valued at over $700 million. These engines are designated for the KAAN, Turkey's first indigenous combat jet, a project initiated in 2016 as part of Ankara's goal for defense self-sufficiency. The sale is planned ahead of a NATO summit in Turkey next month, despite objections from some members of the U.S. Congress. While the move is seen as a diplomatic gesture, analysts note that the deal does not address the broader conflict regarding Turkey's removal from the F-35 fighter jet program. Turkey was expelled from the F-35 program and subjected to sanctions following its acquisition of Russian S-400 air defense systems, which the U.S. classifies as a security threat. Analysts highlight that the engine sale is a minor diplomatic concession and does not guarantee Turkey's readmission to the F-35 program. U.S. law currently prohibits Turkey from participating in the F-35 program as long as it operates the S-400 system.