The Trump administration has approved a jet engine deal worth over $700 million to power the first production batches of Turkiye's domestically built KAAN fighter jet. The engines will be manufactured by General Electric (GE) and will serve as a bridge until the domestic TF35000 engine becomes operational.
The deal is moving forward despite objections from some members of the US Congress. The objections focus on Turkiye's S-400 air defense system and its regional policies. However, the Trump administration supports the sale, describing Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as a "great partner in the region."
The engine sale is seen as a significant gesture to Ankara ahead of the NATO summit to be hosted by Turkiye next month. Experts say this step could signal a new era in US-Turkiye relations.