ANCA joins congressional effort to block $700 million engine sale to Turkey

(Horizon Media / WASHINGTON) — The Armenian National Committee of America has joined Greek American organizations and a bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers in opposing a proposed sale of more than $700 million in General Electric F-110 fighter jet engines to Turkey.

The engines are intended for Turkey’s next-generation KAAN combat aircraft, a project Ankara has pursued as part of its broader effort to expand its domestic military capabilities.

The U.S. administration formally notified Congress of the proposed transaction on June 24, 2026, opening a 15-day review period during which lawmakers can move to block the sale.

ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian criticized the proposed deal, warning that providing advanced military technology to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s government would not strengthen an ally, but rather empower a hostile actor that has repeatedly threatened U.S. partners and undermined regional stability.

ANCA is urging Armenian Americans to contact members of Congress in support of two initiatives led by Congresswoman Dina Titus. The first is a joint resolution of disapproval that seeks to stop the F-110 engine sale outright. The second is a letter to House leadership calling for firm measures to prevent Turkey from returning to the F-35 fighter jet program.

Representatives Dina Titus, Chris Pappas, Josh Gottheimer, Nicole Malliotakis, Mike Lawler and Frank Pallone have also criticized the administration’s decision, arguing that the transfer of advanced U.S. military technology to Turkey runs counter to American law and regional security interests.

The lawmakers pointed to Ankara’s destabilizing conduct across the region, including its military support for Azerbaijan’s campaigns against Armenia, as further reason to oppose the deal.

Turkey was removed from the F-35 program in 2019 after purchasing the Russian S-400 air defence system. Under U.S. law, the transfer of F-35 aircraft to Turkey remains prohibited as long as Ankara retains the Russian system.