Four Greek-American members of the U.S. Congress have expressed strong concern over reports of a proposed military sale of fighter jet engines to Turkey, warning that Ankara’s policies threaten stability in the Eastern Mediterranean and key American allies.
Representatives Gus Bilirakis, Nicole Malliotakis, Mike Haridopolos, and Jimmy Patronis said in a joint statement that they are in active discussions with the U.S. administration and House leadership to obtain additional information about the reported sale and to voice their strong opposition to any effort to reintegrate Turkey into the F-35 program without full compliance with the requirements of the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).
The intervention follows a formal notification submitted to Congress by the Trump administration regarding its intention to approve the sale of engines worth more than $700 million to Turkey. According to Reuters, the engines are intended for Turkey’s indigenous KAAN fighter aircraft program. The proposal has reportedly sparked concerns within Congress, both regarding the substance of the sale and the oversight process governing major defense exports.
The issue is closely linked to Turkey’s removal from the F-35 program following its acquisition of the Russian S-400 air defense system. Washington has long maintained that Turkey cannot simultaneously possess the Russian-made missile system and participate in the U.S. fifth-generation fighter program. CAATSA sanctions and related restrictions remain a central point of discussion in U.S.-Turkey defense relations.
The four lawmakers noted that, as Greek-American members of Congress, they are monitoring developments with deep concern and argued that Turkey continues to act as a destabilizing force in the region.
In their statement, they cited Ankara’s extensive and disputed maritime claims, the continuing illegal occupation of Cyprus, and rhetoric that they say demonizes Israel.
At the same time, they emphasized the Eastern Mediterranean’s significant potential to become a hub for trade, energy cooperation, and regional security, noting that they have actively supported these goals through legislative initiatives and congressional engagement.
However, they warned that Turkey’s rhetoric and actions increasingly threaten key U.S. allies, undermining these efforts and jeopardizing regional stability.
The lawmakers also highlighted Turkey’s provision of safe haven to Hamas and pointed out that Ankara remains, in their view, the only NATO member that has refused to impose sanctions on Russia. They described these issues as “deeply troubling.”
Their intervention underscores the growing concerns within Congress over the prospect of deeper defense cooperation with Turkey while unresolved issues remain regarding the S-400 system, CAATSA sanctions, and the possibility of Ankara’s return to the F-35 program.
