NextFin news, On Monday, September 29, 2025, the United States Congress officially blocked the export of jet engines intended for Turkey's indigenous KAAN stealth fighter program, effectively halting engine deliveries. This move represents a major setback for Turkey's ambitious fifth-generation fighter jet project and further strains relations between Ankara and Washington.
The KAAN fighter jet, developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), is designed as a twin-engine, all-weather stealth aircraft aimed at replacing Turkey's aging F-16 fleet. The program has been a centerpiece of Turkey's efforts to achieve greater defense autonomy following the US suspension of F-35 deliveries after Turkey's acquisition of Russian S-400 missile systems.
According to reports from Navbharat Times and Türkiye Today, the US Congress's decision stems from ongoing geopolitical tensions and concerns over technology transfer and security. The engine in question is critical for the initial development and first-block production of the KAAN fighter jets. While all prototype engines have been delivered to Turkey, the official application for engines needed for serial production has now been blocked.
Haluk Gorgun, Chairman of Turkey's Defense Industries Secretariat, told Anadolu Agency that despite the US embargo, the KAAN program remains on track. He emphasized that Turkey is not dependent on a single source for engines and is advancing its domestic engine development, including the TF35000 turbofan engine, which is planned for serial production. Gorgun stated, "The delivery schedule of our KAAN fighter aircraft has no delays," and highlighted ongoing efforts to secure alternative supply channels and accelerate national engine capabilities.
The US decision to halt engine deliveries is part of broader tensions within NATO, as Turkey's defense procurement choices have caused friction with other alliance members. The embargo complicates Turkey's plans to equip its air force with advanced stealth fighters and may delay the KAAN's operational deployment, which was initially targeted for the late 2020s.
Despite the setback, Turkey continues to pursue export opportunities for the KAAN fighter, including a 48-unit deal with Indonesia, which reportedly will use domestic engines unaffected by the US embargo. Additionally, Turkey has welcomed Egypt's recent approval to join the KAAN program as a co-producer, signaling regional interest in the project.
The US Congress's blockade reflects concerns over Turkey's defense alignment and technology security, underscoring the complex geopolitical dynamics influencing advanced military technology transfers. Turkey's response includes accelerating indigenous engine development and diversifying suppliers to mitigate the impact of such embargoes.
Sources: Navbharat Times (https://navbharattimes.indiatimes.com/world/rest-of-europe/us-congress-blocks-kaan-stealth-fighter-jet-engine-exports-to-turkey-big-setback-to-erdogon-nato-rift-deepens/articleshow/124206458.cms), Türkiye Today (https://www.turkiyetoday.com/nation/kaan-fighter-jet-program-on-track-despite-engine-supply-concerns-3207690)
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