Bloomberg: Turkey seeks US approval for GE engines to be used in Hürjet

It has been stated that Turkey has requested approval from the US to use GE Aerospace engines in its domestic military combat aircraft.

Speaking to Bloomberg, Turkish officials indicated that Ankara wants to use F404 engines for its Hürjet training aircraft production program.

According to the officials, the Turkish Air Force aims to replace its aging fleet of Northrop Grumman-produced T-38 and F-5 aircraft with the domestically produced Hürjet, which is powered by GE Aerospace engines.

In response to a question from Bloomberg, an official from the US Embassy in Ankara stated, "We seek to deepen our defense cooperation with our important NATO ally, Turkey."

The official did not comment on GE Aerospace and Turkey.

GERMANY'S APPROVAL AWAITED FOR EUROFIGHTER

As part of its plans to modernize its air force, Turkey also intends to use GE Aerospace's F110 engines in its Kaan fighter jet project. Turkey is also seeking Germany's approval for the purchase of Eurofighter jets.

GE Aerospace, the world's largest jet engine manufacturer based in Cincinnati, USA, has a partnership in Turkey with TUSAŞ Engine Industries (TEI).

A GE Aerospace spokesperson stated in a comment to Bloomberg that they aim to utilize TEI for the assembly, inspection, and testing of F404 engines in Turkey, in addition to their repair and maintenance.

Officials said that although the Hürjet is designed as a training aircraft, there are plans to produce armed versions as well.

News Source: 12punto