The administration of US President Donald Trump is planning to move forward with the sale of aircraft engines for Türkiye's domestically developed KAAN fifth-generation fighter jet, potentially bypassing congressional opposition.

The US Department of State has notified key lawmakers that the administration intends to proceed with the proposed sale, valued at approximately $700 million, despite expected resistance in Congress, The Caspian Post reports via ABC News.

Türkiye has been developing the KAAN fighter jets since 2017 under its National Combat Aircraft program, with mass production targeted to begin in 2028. Turkish officials have said the aircraft is designed to outperform the F-35 in several capabilities and eventually replace the country's aging fleet of F-16 fighter jets.

Defense cooperation between Washington and Ankara has been strained since Türkiye purchased Russian-made S-400 air defense systems in 2017. Following the deal, Türkiye was removed from the US-led F-35 fighter program, and members of Congress have repeatedly opposed expanding military-technical cooperation with Ankara, including support for the KAAN program.

If approved, the proposed engine sale would mark a significant step in US-Türkiye defense relations despite ongoing political disagreements over arms transfers.