Reportedly, Turkey has been making efforts to obtain approval from the United States to purchase engines manufactured by GE Aerospace for use in its military aircraft that are manufactured locally.
Government officials in Turkey who are acquainted with the situation told Bloomberg that Turkey had expressed interest in purchasing F404 engines for its training aircraft production program.
According to the article, if the United States were to issue this approval, it would be yet another indication that tensions have begun to thaw as a result of Turkey’s procurement of the S-400 air defense system from Russia.
Turkish officials have claimed that the country intends to replace its old fleet of T-38s and F-5s manufactured by Northrop Grumman Corporation with “Hurjets” that are manufactured domestically and for which it intends to employ engines manufactured by GE Aerospace.
An representative from the United States Embassy in Ankara offered the following statement in response to a request for comment made by Bloomberg: “We look forward to deepening our defense cooperation with Turkey, a key NATO ally.” Although the official was asked to speak on particular issues concerning GE Aerospace and Turkey, they declined to do so.
In the report, it was mentioned that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is anticipated to be present in New York throughout the month of this month. He is anticipated to be present at the United Nations General Assembly, where he is likely to meet with officials from the United States and representatives from businesses.
Bloomberg also claimed that Turkey is looking to use GE Aerospace F110 engines for the “Kaan fighter jet project” as part of its ambitious plans to modernize its air force. This is part of Turkey’s overall plan to modernize its air force.
Additionally, Turkey has been pursuing authorization from Germany to purchase Eurofighter fighters at this time.
Since its founding in Cincinnati, General Electric Aerospace has been the largest jet engine producer in the world. An additional business connection exists between the company and Tusaş Engine Industries, Inc. (TEI), which is situated in Turkey.
TEI is designed to be used “for the maintenance, repair, and overhaul of F404 engines in Turkey, in addition to assembly, inspection, and testing,” according to a spokeswoman for GE Aerospace who spoke with Bloomberg.
Turkish officials have stated that the Hurjet was intended to be used as a training aircraft, and that the country intends to manufacture armed versions of the jet.
