F-35 and KAAN Engines on Hold

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced that US CAATSA sanctions have affected Turkey’s 5th generation fighter jet project KAAN. Fidan stated that engine licences have been suspended and that production is awaiting approval from the US Congress.

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced that the licences for engines, which are of critical importance for Turkey’s domestically developed 5th generation fighter jet KAAN, have been halted by the United States.

Fidan noted that the delivery of the engines is awaiting the approval of the US Congress, saying: “The licences must be issued and the engines must arrive so that the production of KAAN can begin.”

“CAATSA is incompatible with the spirit of alliance”

Fidan underlined that the CAATSA sanctions imposed by the US on Turkey since 2019 contradict relations between two NATO allies. “The CAATSA issue that arose after the events of 2019 has been a major problem for us. Having a legal restriction that prevents two NATO allies from making purchases from each other is also a systematic problem,” he said.

Licences awaited for F-35 and KAAN engines

Fidan stated that the same process applies not only to KAAN but also to the engines of F-35 aircraft, adding: “They are being held up in the US Congress, and their licences are suspended. These need to be implemented so that the production of KAAN can begin.”

Indonesia protocol back on the agenda

Following the supply difficulties, the protocol signed between Turkey and Indonesia for the sale of 48 KAAN fighter jets has resurfaced. Officials emphasise that the licensing and engine delivery process will directly affect export plans.