US Congress clears F110 engine sale for Türkiye's KAAN jet

The US Congress has effectively greenlit the sale of F110 jet engines to Türkiye for integration into the country's domestically developed fifth-generation fighter aircraft, KAAN, after lawmakers failed to advance a resolution aimed at blocking the transaction. The State Department formally notified Congress on June 24 of the proposed foreign military sale, triggering a 15-day review period applicable to NATO allies. During that window, nine Democratic members of Congress, led by Representative Dina Titus of Nevada, introduced a joint resolution seeking to halt the sale of defense equipment, services, and technical support to Ankara. However, the resolution never reached the floor for debate or a vote in either the House or the Senate before the review period expired on July 9, allowing the sale to move forward without legislative interference.

Familiar opponents fail to block transfer

The joint resolution's signatories included several lawmakers who have consistently opposed US defense sales to Türkiye, including Brad Sherman, Chris Pappas, and Jim McGovern, all of whom previously objected to the sale of F-16 fighter jets to the Turkish Air Force. Other supporters, such as Jim Costa, Josh Gottheimer, Mike Quigley, and George Latimer, represent congressional districts with significant Armenian, Greek, and Israeli diaspora constituencies, groups that have historically lobbied against military transfers to Türkiye. Despite their combined efforts, the resolution lacked sufficient momentum to advance through the legislative process, a outcome that underscores the limits of congressional opposition when a sale involves a NATO ally and carries strategic importance for transatlantic defense cooperation.

Congressional review process explained

Under US law, major arms sales to foreign nations must undergo a congressional notification and review period following State Department formal submission. For NATO allies, this window is set at 15 days, during which any member of Congress may introduce a joint resolution to block the proposed transaction. To succeed, such a resolution must pass both chambers and secure the president's signature. President Donald Trump, who has maintained a pragmatic approach to defense-industrial cooperation with Türkiye, would have been unlikely to sign a blocking measure, and Congress lacked the two-thirds supermajority required to override a potential veto. With the resolution failing to advance, the sale proceeds automatically once the review period expires, clearing the way for the next phase of technical and commercial negotiations.

Next steps for KAAN program

With the congressional hurdle cleared, Turkish authorities will now engage in detailed technical and commercial discussions with the US administration, relevant government agencies, and engine manufacturer General Electric regarding the F110-GE-129E/F powerplants. These negotiations will focus on delivery schedules, engine integration into the KAAN airframe, certification requirements, and testing protocols. The F110 engines are considered critical enablers for Türkiye's ambitious fifth-generation fighter program, which aims to reduce the country's dependence on foreign platforms while positioning Turkish Aerospace Industries as a competitive player in the global combat aircraft market. Successful integration of the US engines will mark a significant milestone for KAAN, which has been designated a national priority project by Ankara and is expected to enter service in the coming years.