Trump administration moves to sell fighter jet engines to Turkey despite Congress concerns

The Trump administration has notified Congress of its intention to sell jet engines to Turkey worth more than $700 million (£560 million). The move represents a significant defence deal between the two NATO allies, though it comes amid ongoing tensions within the alliance over Turkey’s military partnerships.

The sale has drawn criticism from lawmakers in Washington, who have expressed concern about Turkey’s acquisition of Russian defence systems. Turkey’s purchase of the Russian S-400 air defence system has been a point of contention within NATO and has previously led to US sanctions and the removal of Turkey from the F-35 fighter jet programme.

The timing of the announcement appears strategic, with the transaction being pushed forward ahead of a NATO summit scheduled to take place in Turkey next month. The summit will bring together leaders from across the alliance to discuss shared security concerns and defence spending commitments.

The defence deal underscores the delicate balance the Trump administration is attempting to maintain with Turkey, a crucial NATO member controlling key strategic waterways and hosting US military installations. However, the sale is likely to reignite debate on Capitol Hill about the wisdom of deepening military ties with Ankara given its closer defence relationships with Moscow.

Source: Walla News — Original article in Hebrew.