Trump's Turkey Visit May Advance Fighter Jet Deal

During the NATO summit on July 7-8, 2023, in Ankara, President Donald Trump is expected to address Turkey's acquisition of F-110 fighter jet engines, which are vital for the development of Turkey's Kaan stealth fighter project. Analysts suggest that Trump's discussions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan could lead to a resolution of the ongoing F-35 dispute, although the complexities surrounding Turkey's 2017 purchase of the Russian S-400 missile defense system remain a significant hurdle.

Turkey's Defense Minister Yasar Guler indicated that the country received its first batch of 10 F-110 engines in September, with ongoing talks for acquiring a total of 80 engines. The Kaan project aims to produce Turkey's own fifth-generation combat aircraft, joining an exclusive group of nations capable of such production.

However, the lack of stealth capabilities in the current F-110 engines and the need for U.S. congressional approval complicate the situation further. Experts believe that the resolution of these issues is politically sensitive, especially with upcoming midterm elections.