Trump Administration Prepares Major Engine Sale to Turkey Ahead of NATO Summit

The Trump administration is moving toward a major arms deal with Turkey that would sell Ankara dozens of jet engines worth more than $700 million, Reuters reported, citing people familiar with the matter. The report said the plan is intended to improve U.S.-Turkey ties and give Ankara a diplomatic boost before a NATO summit in Turkey on July 7.

The package reportedly includes engines made by General Electric for Turkey’s KAAN fighter jet, the country’s flagship effort to build an independent combat aircraft. The KAAN program was launched as part of Ankara’s push to reduce its dependence on Western security systems. One source told Reuters the deal under review would include 80 F110-GE-129 engines for the first KAAN aircraft, until Turkey completes development of a domestically produced engine.

The move faces opposition in the U.S. Congress, mainly because of the long-running crisis in relations with Ankara after Turkey bought Russia’s S-400 air defense system. That purchase led to Turkey being removed from the F-35 program and placed under sanctions.

Security officials estimate that even with progress on KAAN, it will still take years before the new Turkish jet can operationally replace the American F-16s, which remain the backbone of the Turkish air force.