The Trump administration can proceed with a proposed sale of more than $700 million in GE Aerospace F110 engines and related support to Turkey after a 15-day congressional review period expired July 9 without lawmakers passing legislation to block it.
The State Department formally notified Congress on June 24 of the proposed transfer for Turkey’s KAAN fighter jet program. A resolution introduced on July 2 by Democratic Rep. Dina Titus of Nevada and eight Democratic cosponsors disapproving of the sale never advanced beyond referral to the House Foreign Affairs Committee. No companion resolution was introduced in the Senate.
Under the Arms Export Control Act, covered sales to NATO members can proceed after 15 calendar days unless Congress enacts a joint resolution of disapproval. Introducing a resolution does not stop a transfer. The deadline’s expiration therefore leaves the administration free to continue the transaction without an affirmative vote by Congress.
The package covers defense articles, services and technical data needed for the integration, installation, modification, qualification, certification, assembly and testing of F110-GE-129E/F engines for KAAN, according to the resolution. The wider transaction is expected to include dozens of engines.
The end of the review period does not amount to a final contract or immediate delivery. US and Turkish officials, government agencies and the manufacturer must still settle commercial terms, delivery schedules, testing and certification.
KAAN’s dependence on US engines
KAAN, developed by the state-controlled Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), made its first flight in February 2024 using two F110 engines. Turkey plans to rely on the US-made engines for prototypes and early production aircraft while developing the TF35000, a domestic engine intended for later versions.
The engines are central to Ankara’s goal of delivering the first KAAN aircraft to the Turkish Air Force beginning in 2028. TAI also signed a contract in 2025 to supply 48 aircraft to Indonesia, giving the engine issue implications for Turkey’s first planned KAAN export.
Titus and other opponents cited Turkey’s continued possession of Russia’s S-400 air defense system, its policies toward Greece, Cyprus and Armenia and concerns about President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s government. Rep. Gregory Meeks of New York, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, had also objected during an informal review.