Türkiye Seeks U.S. Approval to Produce F-110 Engines for KAAN

Türkiye’s Request for F-110 Engine Production

Türkiye is pursuing permission from the United States to manufacture the F-110 GE-129 engine for KAAN under a license from General Electric (GE). This engine, used in F-15 jets, is critical for the initial batch of Türkiye’s indigenous “KAAN” fifth-generation fighter jets. This stopgap measure is necessary while Türkiye develops its own fighter jet engines.

Strained U.S. Relations Complicate Bid

Diplomatic Tensions and Conditional Approval

The strained diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Türkiye complicate this request. The U.S. has linked Türkiye’s request for 40 F-16 Block 70/80 jets, valued at $20 billion, to Türkiye’s approval of Sweden’s NATO membership. This geopolitical tension adds a significant hurdle to obtaining the necessary approval for producing the F-110 engines.

Impact on Türkiye’s KAAN Program

Delays in securing U.S. approval may affect the KAAN fighter jet program’s timeline. The use of F-110 engines as a temporary solution is crucial for keeping the production schedule on track, ensuring that the program progresses while domestic engine development continues.

Turkish Engine Collaboration

TEI’s Role and Collaborations

Turkish Engine Industries (TEI), in collaboration with Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) and GE Aerospace, plays a vital role in Türkiye’s pursuit of self-sufficiency in aircraft engine production. TEI licenses the F-110 for Turkish F-16s and manufactures engines for various aircraft, including TAI’s T-70 helicopters and T-129 ATAK attack helicopters. This collaboration is essential for bridging the gap until Türkiye’s indigenous engines are ready.

Development of TEI-TF10000

The TEI-TF10000 engine is the cornerstone of Türkiye’s efforts to develop its own engines for the KAAN fighter jet. However, as this program matures, Türkiye needs interim solutions. The F-110 GE-129 engines are seen as a suitable stopgap to ensure early production of the KAAN fighter jets while domestic engines are perfected.

U.S. Government Approval Needed

Political and Strategic Challenges

Securing U.S. approval to produce the F-110 engines under GE’s license is crucial for Türkiye. The geopolitical climate, especially related to NATO, poses challenges. The approval for temporary F-110 production is vital for the KAAN program’s success, ensuring reliable engines for early production and facilitating a transition to fully domestic powerplants in the future.

Ensuring Program Continuity

Obtaining U.S. export approval for the F-110 engines is essential to avoid delays and setbacks in Türkiye’s indigenous fighter jet program. This approval would help Türkiye bridge the gap until its domestic engine development reaches maturity, ensuring the continuity and success of the KAAN fighter jet initiative.