New Delhi | In a major setback to India’s ongoing defence acquisition, three Apache AH-64E attack helicopters en route from the United States to the Indian Army were forced to turn back mid-journey after Türkey refused airspace clearance, defence sources revealed. The helicopters, being transported aboard an Antonov AN-124 cargo aircraft, had taken off from Boeing’s facility in Mesa, Arizona, but were compelled to return to the US after days of unexpected delay in the UK.
A Sudden U-Turn After Days of Unusual Grounding in the UK
The three Apaches—painted in Indian Army colours and prepared for formal handover—were loaded onto the AN-124 on October 30. The aircraft departed the US on November 1, landing at East Midlands Airport in the UK, where it remained grounded for nearly eight days, far longer than any routine technical halt.
Instead of taking off for India, the heavy-lift aircraft returned to Mesa, Arizona on November 8, with the helicopters still aboard. Upon landing, the choppers were unloaded, with images showing them grounded with their rotor blades removed.
Türkiye Blocks Airspace for Apache Delivery Route
According to defence and diplomatic sources, Türkey’s refusal to grant airspace permission was the primary reason behind the aircraft’s return. Previous Apache deliveries to India had passed through the same route without issues.
This time, however, Türkey did not clear passage—forcing Boeing to abandon the original flight plan. No safe or viable alternative route was available for the AN-124, prompting the decision to fly back to the US.
The diplomatic strain stems from several recent developments:
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India declined Türkey’s invite to attend its National Day event in October
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Türkey repeatedly backed Pakistan during Operation Sindoor
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Anti-India remarks by Turkish officials at UN platforms on Kashmir
This incident marks the first time diplomatic tensions have directly impacted a defence delivery route involving India.
Boeing Confirms Delay, Cites ‘External Logistic Issues’
In an official statement, Boeing said the delivery had been suspended due to “logistic issues.” A company spokesperson added that they were investigating “external factors” responsible for the problem and were coordinating with the US government and Indian Army to resolve the matter quickly.
However, the company did not clarify whether the issue was related to aircraft clearance, paperwork, a technical fault, or geopolitical hurdles.
Apache Deal: A Two-Year Delay Nears Its End
India had signed a $796 million contract in February 2020 for six Apache AH-64E helicopters for the Army Aviation Corps. The first batch of three was delivered in July 2025 and training is currently underway at the Army Aviation Training School, Nashik.
The remaining three were expected to join the fleet soon and be deployed at the Nagatalo Army Aviation Base near Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
Apache AH-64E: The World’s Deadliest Attack Helicopter
The AH-64E Apache—nicknamed the “Flying Tank Killer”—is among the most advanced attack helicopters in the world. Key features include:
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Longbow fire-control radar
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AGM-114 Hellfire missiles
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30 mm chain gun
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Advanced night-fighting capability
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High-end thermal and optical sensors
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Capability to destroy tanks, armoured vehicles, drones, and helicopters
India already operates 22 Apache AH-64E helicopters in the Air Force. The Army’s dedicated Apache fleet is expected to significantly enhance its anti-armour and battlefield support capabilities, especially along the western borders.
Delivery Now in Question
With Türkey blocking airspace and Boeing investigating the issue, the timeline for the next Apache delivery remains uncertain. Diplomatic channels are expected to engage soon, as this delay affects a critical capability upgrade for the Indian Army.
The incident underscores how geopolitics, defence supply chains, and regional alignments can directly impact military preparedness—even for major powers.
