U.S. Moves Toward $700 Million Jet Engine Sale to Turkey

The Trump administration is advancing a $700 million deal to supply jet engines for Turkey’s KAAN combat aircraft, defying congressional resistance. This move underscores a strategic pivot toward bolstering Ankara’s defense autonomy, even as long-standing friction over previous military acquisitions continues to complicate the bilateral security relationship.

Editorial·June 25, 2026·reads: 3,240

U.S. Moves Toward $700 Million Jet Engine Sale to Turkey

The proposed sale aims to power Turkey’s first domestic combat jet, a flagship project for the nation’s defense industry. While the administration views the transfer as a potential bridge to repair frayed ties, the gesture remains narrow in scope. Analysts warn that the engine deal fails to resolve the primary impasse regarding Turkey’s expulsion from the F-35 program, which followed Ankara's controversial purchase of Russian S-400 missile systems.

Representative Gregory Meeks has voiced sharp opposition, citing a lack of transparency during the negotiation process. Despite this pushback, the White House shows no signs of backing down. The State Department continues to withhold comment on the pending transfer, though internal reviews are reportedly underway to determine if the current arrangement aligns with the legal benchmarks required for Turkey to eventually re-enter the F-35 program.