Defense Business and Industry

Turkey Halts Apache Helicopter Delivery, Complicating India's Military Logistics

In a significant logistical setback for India’s military modernization, the delivery of the final three Apache AH-64E helicopters from Boeing has been halted due to Turkey’s refusal to grant overflight permission for the transport aircraft. Initially, the Antonov An-124 successfully delivered three Apaches to India in August via the same route, but this time, it remained grounded in the UK for eight days before returning to the US, as Turkey’s airspace denial complicated logistics. While Turkish media challenged claims of an intentional blockade, asserting that alternative routes could have been taken, the Indian perspective suggests that Ankara’s increasingly assertive geopolitical stance, particularly its support for Pakistan, has strained diplomatic relations with India. Boeing has acknowledged the disruption and is working on a revised delivery schedule, emphasizing its commitment to fulfilling contractual obligations. This incident underscores how geopolitical tensions can unexpectedly impact military logistics, potentially delaying the operational readiness of the Indian Army’s Apache fleet, which is crucial for enhancing the country’s defense capabilities.

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