Turkiye eyes F110 fighter jet engines as Trump comes to town

Turkiye's pursuit of F110 fighter jet engines, crucial for its KAAN stealth fighter program, may see a breakthrough during US President Donald Trump's visit to Ankara for a NATO summit. Analysts believe the visit could unlock the supply of approximately 40 F110 engines, overcoming previous obstacles.

“

It’s likely to be the green light for the F110 GE engines for the KAAN fighter plane, about 40 of them. There had been obstacles to that supply and very possibly those are now being removed.

The KAAN, a twin-engine stealth fighter developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries, is intended to replace the Turkish Air Force's F-16 fleet. While Turkiye aims for a domestically produced engine for the KAAN in the future, the F110s are currently essential for its development. Turkiye has already received an initial batch of 10 F110s and is in talks for 80 more.

However, the acquisition has been complicated by Turkiye's 2017 purchase of a Russian S-400 missile defense system. This led to Washington expelling Turkiye from the F-35 program in 2019 and imposing sanctions, impacting Turkish defense projects. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan emphasized the need for the US to resolve the CAATSA issue and approve the F-35 and KAAN engine sales, noting that congressional approval is pending.

“

The CAATSA issue must be resolved. The US needs to take steps both regarding the F-35 and the engines for KAAN. KAAN’s engines are currently awaiting approval in the US Congress.

Despite the F-35 deadlock, Turkiye has refocused on self-sufficiency in defense. Some argue that investing in the KAAN program, supported by the potential F110 engine export, is a strategic move. Without these engines, the production of the KAAN jet would be significantly hindered, with delivery dates still many years away.

“

Without those engines, Turkiye cannot produce the KAAN jet.