The Trump administration plans to approve the sale of dozens of General Electric F110 jet engines to Turkey—valued at over $700 million—for Ankara’s domestically developed KAAN fighter aircraft, according to four sources familiar with the matter who spoke to Reuters on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. The move comes despite objections from U.S. lawmakers, including top Democratic foreign policy official Representative Gregory Meeks of New York.
Strained Ties Amid Broader Cooperation
U.S.-Turkish relations have generally warmed under former President Donald Trump, who frequently praises Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Yet the relationship remains strained by longstanding disputes—including Washington’s decision to remove Turkey from the F-35 fighter program and impose sanctions after Ankara acquired Russia’s S-400 air defense systems. The U.S. government maintains that the S-400 poses a security risk to NATO systems.
Congressional Hurdles—and a Likely Green Light
Although Meeks voiced opposition during an informal congressional review process and has not granted approval, two sources—including a U.S. official—said the deal is expected to be finalized in the coming days. Once confirmed, the State Department will formally notify Congress, as required under U.S. arms export law.
KAAN Program Hangs on U.S. Approval
The decision follows nearly a year of public frustration from Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who in late September 2025 told reporters in New York that the F110 engine license had ‘stalled in Congress’ and warned that without congressional approval, ‘KAAN production cannot begin.’
Turkey is set to host the next NATO summit on July 7–8. The KAAN made its maiden flight in February 2024 and has since completed additional test flights. The program aims to deliver around 20 ‘Block 10’ aircraft to the Turkish Air Force by 2028–2029, with serial production planned for the 2030s.
Each early-production KAAN relies on a U.S.-made GE F110 engine—subject to strict export controls under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). Without U.S. export authorization, the aircraft cannot be produced, delivered, or maintained.