Trump administration prepares more than $700 million deal for KAAN fighter as Ankara seeks broader defence reset with Washington
WASHINGTON, June 25 (BV)— The United States is expected to approve the sale of dozens of General Electric jet engines for Turkey’s indigenous KAAN fighter aircraft in the coming days, despite objections from some members of Congress, in a move seen as a strategic gesture ahead of next month’s NATO summit in Ankara.
Four sources familiar with the matter told Reuters the package, valued at more than $700 million, will provide engines for Turkey’s first domestically developed fifth-generation combat aircraft, a flagship programme designed to reduce Ankara’s dependence on foreign defence suppliers.
The decision comes as the administration of President Donald Trump seeks to strengthen ties with Turkey, a key NATO ally whose relations with Washington have been strained since Ankara purchased the Russian-made S-400 air defence system in 2019.
Speaking on Wednesday, Trump hinted at a positive announcement.
“I’m going to probably do something that will make them very happy,” he said when asked about the engine sale, the F-35 programme and the upcoming NATO summit.
The sale is expected to proceed even though Representative Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, objected during the informal congressional review process. Congressional objections are not legally binding if the administration decides to move forward.
Meeks criticised what he described as the administration’s failure to provide adequate briefings on the implications of the sale, particularly given Turkey’s continued possession of the S-400 missile system.
The State Department is expected to formally notify Congress after final approval.
Important but not enough
While the engine deal marks another improvement in U.S.-Turkey defence relations, analysts caution that it does not resolve Ankara’s biggest strategic objective—rejoining the F-35 stealth fighter programme.
Turkey was removed from the multinational programme and sanctioned under the CAATSA legislation after acquiring the Russian S-400 system, which Washington argues is incompatible with NATO security standards.
U.S. law still prevents Turkey from re-entering the programme while it retains the Russian missile system.
Vice President JD Vance confirmed that the administration is reviewing whether Turkey has met the legal requirements necessary for any future F-35 decision.
Strategic importance ahead of NATO summit
The announcement comes weeks before NATO leaders gather in Ankara amid heightened tensions over defence spending, burden-sharing and regional security following the U.S.-Iran conflict.
The KAAN programme remains central to Turkey’s ambition to build an independent defence industry after years of arms embargoes and restrictions from Western partners.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan complained nearly a year ago that the engine sale had been delayed, making the expected approval a significant diplomatic victory for Ankara.
Although Turkey has significantly expanded its domestic defence industry, military officials acknowledge that the KAAN aircraft will require years before it can replace the U.S.-made F-16 fleet that currently forms the backbone of the Turkish Air Force.
The engine agreement is expected to become one of the most significant defence developments between Washington and Ankara since the United States approved the sale of F-16 fighter jets to Turkey in 2024.
Why it matters
The planned engine sale signals that Washington is prepared to deepen defence cooperation with Turkey despite unresolved disagreements over the Russian S-400 system. While it falls short of restoring Turkey’s participation in the F-35 programme, it represents another step toward rebuilding strategic ties ahead of a pivotal NATO summit hosted by Ankara.