US Advances $700 Million Jet Engine Sale to Türkiye Ahead of NATO Summit

The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump is preparing to advance a $700 million sale of jet engines to Türkiye, bypassing congressional objections in a significant diplomatic gesture ahead of a NATO summit.

The proposed transaction involves dozens of engines manufactured by General Electric.

They will power the Kaan, Türkiye’s first indigenous combat jet.

The Kaan program was launched in 2016 as part of Ankara’s broader initiative to achieve greater self-sufficiency in defense production.

Four sources familiar with the matter confirmed to Reuters the administration's intent to proceed.

The U.S. State Department has declined to comment on the impending sale.

Congressional Resistance

The impending deal faces opposition from lawmakers. Representative Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, raised objections during the informal review process.

Two sources, including a U.S. official, confirmed that Meeks has not approved the defense package.

Despite this legislative resistance, the sale is expected to be finalized in the coming days. A formal notification from the State Department to Congress will follow.

The decision follows public complaints made nearly a year ago by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan regarding administrative delays in the process.

Diplomatic Strains

Relations between Washington and Ankara have generally remained warm under Trump, who frequently praises Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

However, defense ties remain complicated by Türkiye’s acquisition of Russian-made S-400 air defense systems.

The U.S. maintains that the Russian hardware poses a critical security threat to NATO infrastructure.

Following the S-400 acquisition, Washington removed Türkiye from the F-35 fighter jet program and imposed targeted sanctions.

On the Eve of NATO Summit

The engine sale coincides with preparations for a NATO summit, which Türkiye will host from July 7 to 8.

The alliance faces internal friction over defense spending targets and equitable burden-sharing.

Additional tensions have surfaced regarding U.S. expectations of allied participation in efforts to keep the Strait of Hormuz open amid the US-Iran war.