Congressional process cleared for F110 engines for KAAN

The critical review process in the US Congress regarding the F110-GE-129E/F engines planned for use in Turkey's national combat aircraft, KAAN, has been completed. Within the 15-day period that began following the notification made to Congress by the US Department of State, no binding resolution was adopted to stop the sale.

Thus, the sales process, which covers the integration, assembly, external modification, certification, testing activities, technical data sharing, and related defense services of the engines, will continue to proceed without encountering obstacles at the Congressional stage.

15-DAY REVIEW PERIOD COMPLETED

The official notification made by the US administration to Congress on June 24, 2026, was subject to the 15-day review calendar applied to foreign military sales to NATO allies. As this period expired as of July 9, the joint resolution introduced to halt the sale was not placed on the agenda of the House of Representatives or the Senate.

The resolution, introduced to the House of Representatives and the Senate with the signatures of 9 members of Congress, had requested that the sale of certain defense materials and services planned for Turkey be blocked. However, because the resolution was not moved into the legislative process within the review period, the sales file did not get stuck in the Congressional hurdle.

In the US, for such sales to be stopped, a joint resolution must first be passed by both chambers of Congress and then signed by President Donald Trump. If the President vetoes it, a two-thirds majority is required to override the veto, which means at least 290 votes in the House of Representatives and 67 votes in the Senate.

The joint resolution was introduced by Democratic Party Nevada Representative Dina Titus. Eight other Democratic members of Congress supported the resolution. Signatories included names such as Brad Sherman, Chris Pappas, Jim McGovern, Jim Costa, Josh Gottheimer, Mike Quigley, and George Latimer.

The source text noted that some of the members of Congress who signed the resolution had previously objected to various defense exports to Turkey, including the sale of F-16s. This initiative did not reach a stage that would have produced results within the review calendar.

TECHNICAL AND COMMERCIAL NEGOTIATIONS ARE NEXT

Following the completion of the Congressional process, technical and commercial negotiations regarding the supply of F110 engines are expected to continue between the US administration, relevant agencies, the manufacturer, and authorized authorities in Turkey.

In the subsequent stages, topics such as the delivery schedule, integration of the engines into the KAAN platform, test planning, and certification activities are expected to be addressed. These topics are among the critical technical steps for the aircraft's development and verification process.

The scope of the notification regarding the F110-GE-129E/F engines is not limited only to engine supply. The file also includes assembly, external modification, certification, testing, technical data sharing, and defense services.

For the KAAN program, the process means that the review phase in the US Congress has concluded without creating a legislative obstacle to the sale. The final schedule and implementation details will be clarified through technical and commercial negotiations between the parties.

News Source: 12punto