The delivery of the final batch of AH-64E Apache attack helicopters to the Indian Army has been significantly delayed, and sources indicate that Turkey is the primary “external factor” responsible for the disruption.

The issue stems from Turkey’s refusal to grant crucial airspace clearance to the transport aircraft carrying the helicopters, effectively blocking the planned delivery route.

Here are the full details of the incident, the evidence, and the geopolitical context:

🛑 The Blockade: Apaches Forced Back to the US

The incident involves the second and final batch of three AH-64E Apache Guardian helicopters for the Indian Army, part of a $600 million deal signed in 2020.

1. The Aborted Journey

• The Cargo: Three AH-64E Apache helicopters, already painted in the distinctive Indian Army desert camouflage.
• The Aircraft: A heavy-lift Antonov An-124 cargo aircraft (serial number UR-82008), operated by a US-based logistics contractor.
• The Route: The An-124 departed from Mesa Gateway Airport (Arizona, US) on November 1, 2025, and flew to East Midlands Airport in England for a planned stopover.
• The Impasse: The aircraft remained grounded in the UK for an unusual eight days.
• The Reversal: On November 8, instead of proceeding eastward toward India, the An-124 unexpectedly flew back across the Atlantic to the US, where the Apaches were subsequently offloaded.

2. The Official vs. Source-Based Reason

• Boeing’s Official Statement: US aviation major Boeing issued a brief statement citing “logistical issues caused by external factors” that interrupted the transportation.
• Source-Based Reason: Multiple defense and security sources have confirmed that the “external factor” was Turkey’s refusal to grant overflight rights or airspace clearance for the Antonov aircraft to pass through Turkish airspace en route to India. Since the Antonov had another pre-scheduled flight, the logistics firm had no option but to return the cargo to its point of origin while an alternative route could be arranged.

geopolitics: Why Turkey Blocked the Delivery

This unprecedented denial of airspace is widely viewed as a direct diplomatic maneuver by Turkey (Türkiye) stemming from its escalating tensions with India and its steadfast support for Pakistan.

1. Turkey’s Tilt Toward Pakistan

• Repeated UNGA Intervention: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has repeatedly used the platform of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) since 2019 to criticize India’s policy on Jammu & Kashmir, deeming it a “threat to peace” and taking a clear stance that India views as blatant interference in its internal affairs.
• Support During Conflict: Tensions reached a low point recently when Turkey openly supported Pakistan during a brief period of heightened tensions (referred to as “Operation Sindoor”), reportedly providing military and intelligence support, including the transfer of advanced reconnaissance drones (like the Bayraktar TB2).

2. India’s Response to Turkey

• Diplomatic Snub: In October 2025, Indian officials intentionally skipped the Turkish National Day celebrations in New Delhi as a deliberate message of India’s displeasure with Ankara’s actions.
• Alliances with Rivals: India has actively strengthened defense and political ties with Turkey’s regional rivals, including Greece, Cyprus, and Armenia, providing arms and increasing cooperation, further straining relations.

3. Broader Turkish Defense Ban

This incident is consistent with a known, though not widely publicized, policy by Turkey. Minutes from the Turkish Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee have reportedly disclosed an official policy to enforce a “total ban” on the export of all arms and defense-related products to India due to Ankara’s political stance and friendship with Pakistan.

The delay is highly significant as the Apache helicopters are considered critical assets for the Indian Army to bolster its combat capabilities, especially along the contested borders with Pakistan and China. Boeing is currently working to arrange an alternative delivery route that bypasses Turkish airspace.