AiBotWashington, June 25 (Reuters) – The Trump administration has formally notified Congress of its intention to sell more than $700 million worth of General Electric (GE) jet engines to Turkey, according to officials familiar with the matter. The move comes despite ongoing concerns from some lawmakers about Turkey’s continued possession of Russian S-400 defense systems.
The decision to proceed with the sale comes ahead of a crucial NATO summit next month, where Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is expected to meet with other leaders of the transatlantic alliance. Tensions have been running high between NATO members and Turkey since Ankara’s acquisition of Russian defense systems, which has been deemed incompatibility with NATO protocols.
The sale of the GE engines is a commercial arrangement between the US-based corporation and the Turkish government, but lawmakers and some officials have raised objections to the sale on national security grounds. These objections stem from Turkey’s continued deployment of the Russian S-400 systems, which has led to concerns about the security implications for US-made F-35 fighter jets sold by Washington to several NATO countries, including Turkey.
In response to the objections, the State Department has stated that the sale of the jet engines will not compromise the security of the F-35s or any other US military equipment. “The proposed sale of [the GE engines] will not alter the basic military balance in the region,” a department spokesperson said.
The US has made it clear that it expects Turkey to either surrender the Russian S-400 systems or face significant economic and diplomatic repercussions. However, Ankara has so far shown little willingness to comply with US demands, with Mr. Erdogan insisting that the S-400 systems are essential for Turkey’s national security.
The sale of the GE jet engines is set to be finalized after a 30-day congressional review period. The timing is seen as significant, given the approaching NATO summit. Sources close to the matter suggest that the Trump administration is keen to showcase the sale as a gesture of goodwill towards Ankara, in an effort to ease tensions ahead of the summit.
The decision is set to reignite debate among lawmakers over the risks of selling military equipment to countries with significant security ties to rival powers. Critics argue that the sale compromises national security interests, while supporters argue that it is a commercial transaction that does not pose a material threat to US interests.
The deal highlights the complex dynamics at play in US-Turkey relations. While the Trump administration has signaled its intention to strengthen ties with Ankara, it is also keen to assert its influence over Turkey’s foreign and security policies. The outcome of the NATO summit and the fate of the S-400 systems remain key uncertainties in this evolving dynamic.