Trump administration moves forward with a $700M+ GE jet engine sale for Türkiye’s Kaan fighter jet program

The Trump administration has announced its decision to proceed with a jet engine sale valued at over $700 million to support Türkiye’s Kaan fighter jet program. The sale involves General Electric (GE) F110 engines, which are currently used in the Kaan aircraft while the TF35000 indigenous engine is under development. This move comes amid ongoing diplomatic and strategic discussions between the United States, Türkiye, and Saudi Arabia, with the latter showing interest in acquiring the Kaan fighter jet as part of its broader defense modernization efforts.

The U.S. decision to approve the sale aligns with broader efforts to maintain strong defense ties with NATO allies and to support regional stability. However, the administration has also expressed concerns about Saudi Arabia’s interest in the Kaan program, which could reduce U.S. influence in the kingdom’s arms market. U.S. officials have sought assurances from Riyadh that its defense procurement will continue to prioritize American-made systems, particularly the F-35 fighter jet.

The Kaan program, initiated in 2016, is a key component of Türkiye’s defense industrial strategy and includes collaboration with BAE Systems for design and development. The program is expected to advance significantly in the coming months, with the P1 prototype first flight set to make its first flight in the first half of 2026. The sale of GE engines represents a critical step in ensuring the program’s operational readiness while the TF35000 engine is finalized.