Four Greek-American members of the US Congress have expressed strong opposition to a proposed $700 million sale of fighter jet engines to Turkey, citing Ankara as a destabilising force in the Eastern Mediterranean. The lawmakers—Gus Bilirakis, Nicole Malliotakis, Mike Haridopoulos, and Jimmy Patronis—are actively communicating with the US administration and House leadership to gather more information and oppose Turkey's reintegration into the F-35 program without full compliance with CAATSA sanctions.

The controversy centers on Turkey's removal from the F-35 program after acquiring Russia's S-400 air defense system, which the US argues is incompatible with operating F-35 jets. The proposed engines are intended for Turkey's KAAN fighter jet program, prompting concerns about the sale's substance and oversight.

The lawmakers criticized Turkey's maritime disputes, occupation of Cyprus, and rhetoric towards Israel, warning these actions threaten US allies and regional stability. They also highlighted Turkey's alleged ties to Hamas and refusal to sanction Russia as deeply troubling. This intervention underscores Congressional tensions over US-Turkey defense relations amid sanctions and strategic disagreements.