I say this cautiously and with reservation.
TRMotor – What it really is and why it is crucial for TF-35000
Many still believe that TRMotor is a "second TEI" but without much experience or a classic engine manufacturer that is new. That is not true.
TRMotor's role is completely different – and absolutely crucial to ensuring that the TF-35000 national fighter jet engine remains ITAR-free.
1. TRMotor is the design authority (IP owner) and thus only a shell that manages the IP legally and strategically.
TRMotor therefore holds the intellectual property rights to the national engine.
This means that:
Specifications
System architecture
Contracts
Patents
Design rights
are NOT held by TEI (where GE is a shareholder), but by TRMotor itself.
This ensures that the US cannot assert any claims or export rights.
2. TRMotor is officially the client – TEI is the developer and manufacturer
The roles are deliberately structured as follows:
TRMotor → state project leader, IP protection, legal independence
TEI → technical developer, materials technology, manufacturing
TÜBİTAK → research base (metallurgy, high-temperature materials)
TAI → integration of the engine into KAAN
This separates the national engine programme from all GE licences and US export rules that historically exist at TEI.
3. TRMotor serves as a legal shield against US influence
If TEI were to run the programme alone, the US could claim:
"GE is a shareholder → so the engine is partly US technology."
With TRMotor as the IP owner, this is out of the question.
This means that the TF-35000 is:
not a derivative
not a fork
not a licensed development
completely independent of the F110
4. Why this is so important
Only with TRMotor can Turkey guarantee that TF-35000:
remains freely exportable
is not subject to ITAR
does not require US approvals
is developed with complete sovereignty
This is the main reason why TRMotor was founded.
> TRMotor = legal project management + IP protection →
TEI = technical developer and manufacturer.
TRMotor ensures that TF-35000 remains 100% national and is not subject to US export controls, even though TEI has historical ties to GE. It is therefore a firewall against the US making claims, which they will do 100% as soon as the engine goes into series production.
They will claim that the TEI TF-35000 uses GE technologies; it does not matter whether this is true or not, it is power politics. Turkey knows this and is putting a stop to it in advance, as the US cannot investigate foreign companies or require them to publish their design plans. With TEI, it would still be possible through GE, but with TRMotor it is impossible. The US has no leverage, but they will still complain, that's for sure.