The Turkish program to create the KAAN fifth-generation stealth air superiority fighter is very dependent on American F110-GE-129E/F engines, and the first step towards blocking their export was taken in the US Congress. The corresponding joint resolution of disapproval was introduced for consideration by the House of Representatives by congresswoman Dina Titus.
The representative of the US Democratic Party noted that "The regime of Turkish President Erdoğan has made repeated threats of military action against NATO allies and other partner nations throughout the Middle East."
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The regime of Turkish President Erdoğan has made repeated threats of military action against NATO allies and other partner nations throughout the Middle East. I am introducing a Joint Resolution of Disapproval to stop the $700 million sale of F110 jet engines to Turkey which… https://t.co/v9vDHdpei4— Dina Titus (@repdinatitus) July 3, 2026
This resolution, if it is considered positively, will block the possibility of selling Turkey $700 million worth of F110 engines and related services for their integration into KAAN fighters. For this, the resolution must be voted on in the House of Representatives and the Senate, and then signed by the US President.
It should be noted that Turkey has traditionally had quite tense relations with Greece, which is a member of NATO. At the same time, the rather cold relations between Turkey and Israel may have a greater impact on members os US Congress.
As the Greek publication Ekathimerini writes, the probability of a successful vote on this resolution is quite low – due to the fact that it was submitted by a representative of the Democratic Party.
Defense Express also notes that the recent experience of US-Turkey defense cooperation in the issue of combat aviation can be called successful. In particular, in 2024, an agreement was reached on Turkey's purchase of 40 new F-16 Block 70 fighters from the United States. Also, the very consideration by the US government of the export of engines for KAAN fighters is already a thawing of the de facto arms embargo that was imposed on Turkey after the purchase of the S-400 air defense system from the russian federation.
In general, the situation with the possibility of a ban on the export of F110 engines to Turkey is quite indicative. If this does happen, the country’s 5th generation stealth fighter program will be frozen for at least several years.
Recall that Ankara has already placed an order for the first 20 fighters, which will be equipped with American engines at the first stage. The installation of Turkish-made TF35000 engines on the aircraft, which are currently in the development stage, is currently scheduled only for 2032.
From the Defense Express side, we urges you to join a fundraising for what is already working: One United Fundraiser: Fundraising by the Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundation for interceptor drones.
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