U.S. officials are preparing to finalize the sale of dozens of jet engines to Turkey, a transaction that sources say will total in the hundreds of millions of dollars and is expected to be announced in the coming days. The engines, built by General Electric, are destined for Turkey's first indigenous combat jet, the Kaan program launched in 2016.
According to four people familiar with the matter, one source indicated the package will exceed $700 million in value. The purchase represents a significant procurement for Ankara as it continues to develop a domestically assembled fighter jet.
The decision to press forward, despite objections raised during the informal U.S. review process, signals a diplomatic gesture ahead of a NATO leaders' meeting to be held in Turkey on July 7 to 8. Two of the sources, including a U.S. official, said Representative Gregory Meeks of New York - the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee - registered objections and has not consented to the sale.
Even with those objections, the sources said the administration intends to complete the sale and follow with a formal notification from the State Department to Congress. The State Department declined to comment on the timing or details.
The move comes amid a strained bilateral history on key defense matters. Washington removed Turkey from the F-35 fighter jet program and imposed sanctions after Ankara acquired S-400 air defense systems from Russia, citing security concerns. Those disputes have tested ties between the two NATO members, even as the U.S. and Turkey have maintained periods of close engagement.
Turkish officials have publicly signaled impatience with delays in the process. Nearly a year ago, Turkey's foreign minister expressed frustration over what he described as a hold-up. The forthcoming engine sale will occur as NATO leaders convene in Turkey to discuss issues including burden-sharing, defense spending and alliance roles in keeping the Strait of Hormuz open amid U.S.-Iran tensions, according to the context of the summit.
No new dates for the formal notification were provided by the sources, and there was no immediate comment from General Electric regarding the reported sale. The developments are likely to attract attention from lawmakers and defense observers as the administration proceeds with the export approval process.
Note: This article reflects information provided by sources familiar with the matter and official commentary was declined by the State Department.