Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Musa Kulaklıkaya announced that there are no longer any obstacles to obtaining engines from the United States for the KAAN national fighter jet program. Kulaklıkaya clarified that this issue is separate from Turkey’s potential re-entry into the F-35 program. He stated that for Turkey to rejoin the F-35 program, a change in US law would be required, as the US President currently lacks the necessary authorization. The situation regarding the F-35 is distinct and contingent on legislative action within the United States. This development signals progress for Turkey’s independent defense capabilities with the KAAN project. The US engine supply provides a critical component for the KAAN’s development and deployment. Kulaklıkaya emphasized the distinct pathways for both projects, KAAN and F-35.