According to information based on sources close to the matter in international news agency Reuters, the massive defense package includes General Electric-produced engines that are vital for KAAN's testing and initial production phases. The total financial value of the deal is reported to exceed $700 million. STRATEGIC GESTURE AHEAD OF NATO SUMMIT!
Ahead of the critical NATO Leaders' Summit that Turkey will host on July 7-8, the Washington administration bringing this sale to the approval stage is interpreted as a very significant 'alliance gesture' toward Ankara. This move, coming at a time when defense spending is being debated within the alliance, is also clear proof that the ice between the two countries is melting.
NO BACKTRACKING DESPITE 'DEMOCRAT' OBSTACLE IN CONGRESS A behind-the-scenes diplomatic battle also unfolded behind the sale process. It was learned that Gregory Meeks, the senior Democratic member of the US House Foreign Affairs Committee, opposed the package and resisted giving approval.
However, the Trump administration is expected to bypass these objections and officially complete the sale in the coming days, delivering formal notification to Congress through the US State Department. CRITICAL THRESHOLD CROSSED FOR KAAN With its historic MMU (National Combat Aircraft) project launched in 2016, Turkey aims to renew its air force's F-16 fleet and completely end foreign dependency.
Although the ultimate goal is to produce a 100 percent domestic engine, these engines were a technical necessity for KAAN's initial flight and testing processes until serial production. The US moving forward with the supply process will also ensure that KAAN's serial production timeline proceeds without issues.
