Turkey seeks approval of US for military jet engines: Report

Duvar English

Bloomberg reported that Turkey has been pushing towards U.S. approval to buy GE Aerospace engines for use in its domestically-built military jets.

Turkey wanted to buy F404 engines for its training aircraft production program, Turkish officials familiar with the matter told Bloomberg.

The report stated that if the U.S. grants this approval, it would be another sign that tensions have begun to ease following Turkey's acquisition of the S-400 air defense system from Russia. 

Officials indicated that Turkey aims to replace its aging fleet of T-38s and F-5s from Northrop Grumman Corp. with domestically-produced “Hürjets,” for which it seeks to use GE Aerospace engines.

In response to a request for comment from Bloomberg, an official from the U.S. Embassy in Ankara stated, "We look forward to deepening our defense cooperation with Turkey, a key NATO ally." The official declined to comment on specific issues related to GE Aerospace and Turkey.

The report noted that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is expected to be in New York this month to attend the United Nations General Assembly, where he is likely to meet with U.S. officials and business representatives. 

Bloomberg also mentioned that, as part of Turkey's plans to modernize its air force, the country is seeking to use GE Aerospace F110 engines for the “Kaan fighter jet project.” 

Additionally, Turkey has been requesting approval from Germany to purchase Eurofighter jets.

Cincinnati-based GE Aerospace has been the world's largest jet engine manufacturer. The company also has a business partnership with Turkey-based Tusaş Engine Industries, Inc (TEI).

A GE Aerospace spokesperson told Bloomberg that TEI is intended to be used “for the maintenance, repair, and overhaul of F404 engines in Turkey, in addition to assembly, inspection and testing.” 

The Hürjet was designed as a trainer aircraft and Turkey plans to produce armed versions of the jet, officials said.