America will strengthen Turkey, $700 million jet engine deal and its meaning

US President Donald Trump has approved the sale of fighter jet engines worth more than $700 million (about Rs 5800 crore) to Türkiye. This step has been taken at a time when the Turkish Air Force is struggling for its modernization. American lawmakers are protesting against the defense deal with Türkiye. Let us understand what this deal is, what it means for Türkiye and why it is being opposed in America…

1. What’s this whole deal?

The Trump administration has approved the sale of jet engines made by American company ‘General Electric (GE)’ to Türkiye. This deal is worth more than 700 million dollars. The US State Department, in its notification sent to Congress on June 24, has said that the government is ready to grant license for this export, keeping in mind the political, military, economic and human rights related aspects.

2. Why are these engines so important for Türkiye?

The main goal of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is to make Turkey self-reliant in the defense sector. Under this, in 2016, Turkey started the project to make indigenous 5th generation fighter jet, which has been named KAAN.

Project incomplete without engine: According to defense experts, Türkiye is making its own fighter jet, but to fly it, it needs advanced engines, which can be obtained only from America. Without American engines, the KAAN project may come to a complete halt.
Old Air Force: At present, the Turkish Air Force is dependent on old American F-16 fighter planes and domestic drones like Bayraktar. Modernizing the Air Force is one of Erdogan’s top priorities.

3. Questions on the timing of the deal

This deal has been approved before the NATO summit to be held next month in the Turkish capital Ankara, which is being seen as a big diplomatic gesture. Trump considers Erdogan an important ally. Recently, when asked about jet engines, F-35 program and Ankara Summit, Trump had said, ‘I am going to do something that will make them (Turkey) very happy.’

4. Why are there protests in America?

Democratic Party leaders are strongly opposing this deal. The roots of this opposition are hidden in a decision of 2019. In fact, in the year 2019, Turkey had purchased S-400 air defense system from Russia despite America’s warning. In response, America imposed sanctions on Türkiye and excluded it from its advanced F-35 fighter jet program. According to US law, as long as Turkey has the Russian S-400 system, F-35s cannot be sold to it, because it is a threat to the security of American aircraft.

NATO and the US have long argued that Türkiye’s possession of the Russian S-400 system is dangerous. With both systems together, Russia can steal information related to the secret technology of the F-35.

main opposition leaders

Gregory Meeks: Meeks, the top Democrat leader of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, has not given his consent to this deal. He says that the Trump administration has kept him in the dark on the issue of bilateral relations and S-400.
Chris Pappas and Dina Titus: These MPs have also warned the administration that a country which is violating American law cannot be rewarded. Dina Titus has said that if the Trump administration moves forward on this path, she will bring a proposal to stop it.

5. What will happen next?

Under US law, Congress has 15 days to block the deal. For this, ‘Joint Resolution of Disapproval’ will have to be presented. Even if both houses of Congress pass a resolution to stop it, President Trump will have the right to veto it. That means, despite the opposition, Turkey is certain to get jet engines.

What is Israel afraid of this deal?

Israel has been lobbying in Washington for a long time that Turkey should not get F-35. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said last year, ‘We will continue to provide our pilots with the best weapons and at the same time ensure that those who should not get this power do not get it.’

In fact, since the Gaza war started in 2023, Erdogan has had a very aggressive stance against Israel. Recently he had said that Israel should be stopped. In such a situation, Israel fears that if Türkiye’s Air Force becomes powerful, then the balance of power in the Middle East may get disturbed.

KAAN (TF-X): Türkiye’s 5th generation fighter jet

Twin Engine: 21 meters long, takeoff weight about 34,750 kg.
Fast Speed: Its biggest feature is ‘Supercruise’. That means supersonic can fly without afterburner, which helps in keeping it away from radar capture and saving fuel.
Stealth Technique: Its weapons are kept in the ‘Internal Weapon Bay’ instead of the external part, due to which it is not visible on enemy radar.
Modern Radar: Indigenous MURAD-600A AESA radar with 200 km range, 360 degree surveillance capability.
Electronic Security: Jammers and radar warning systems that confuse enemy radar.
Smart Cockpit: Real-time threat display, allowing the pilot to take quick decisions.

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