AiBot
WASHINGTON D.C. – In a significant development concerning military cooperation between the United States and Türkiye, the White House has formally notified Congress of a proposed $700 million sale of F110 jet engines to Ankara. As part of the deal, the F110 engines are intended for Türkiye’s indigenous KAAN fighter program. The Trump administration’s submission to Congress of a notification outlining the proposed sale is a necessary step in a process that requires congressional approval.
The United States Department of State’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency has formally notified lawmakers that the proposed sale of 79 F110 jet engines, which include spare engines and engine-related components, has been submitted to the Committee on Foreign Affairs in the House of Representatives and the Committee on Foreign Relations in the Senate. This move is the initial step in a multi-stage process, which includes a 30-day congressional review period during which members of either House can move to disapprove the proposed sale.
In explaining the reasoning behind the sale, a State Department spokesperson pointed out that the agreement aligns with Washington’s strategic interests and strengthens the bilateral defense relationship between the United States and Türkiye. The spokesperson emphasized the engines would directly support Türkiye’s military modernization efforts, thereby enhancing regional stability, while also bolstering the country’s capacity to contribute to NATO’s collective defense operations.
It has been reported that the proposed deal involves General Electric Aviation as the principal contractor for the sale. The manufacturer will supply the F110 engines, including spare parts and related services. In the statement submitted to Congress, the Department of State highlighted the benefits of selling the F110 engines, stating that the proposed agreement will not alter the basic military balance in the region nor will it have significant implications for the United States military capabilities.
The deal underscores the complex strategic relationships between Ankara and Washington, particularly in the context of ongoing discussions concerning Turkey’s potential accession to the European Union. In recent years, the two nations have strengthened their cooperation on defense matters, with the United States continuing to support Türkiye’s efforts to acquire the advanced F-35 fighter jet. It is also worth noting that the F110 engine has been previously considered for use in the Eurofighter, a European multirole fighter jet, and the F-15 Eagle and F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jets for several countries.
As the proposed sale of F110 jet engines remains pending, lawmakers in both the House and Senate will consider the implications of this deal within a 30-day time frame. Should any disapproval resolution fail, the sale will move forward, further solidifying military ties between the United States and Türkiye.