In 2020, a significant geopolitical development unfolded when Turkey intervened to stop the delivery of Apache helicopters to India. The Apache helicopters were part of a major defense deal between India and the United States, and Turkey’s actions raised questions about the complexities of global defense procurement and the role of third-party countries in shaping such deals.
Background: India-US Apache Helicopter Deal
In 2015, India signed a deal with the United States worth $1.4 billion to procure 22 Apache AH-64E Guardian helicopters. The Apache is a multi-role attack helicopter manufactured by Boeing, and it is considered one of the most advanced attack helicopters in the world. The deal was significant for India, as it sought to modernize its military capabilities and enhance its counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations.
Turkey’s Role in Apache Production
The Apache helicopters are manufactured by Boeing in the United States, but they contain components sourced from various countries, including Turkey. One of the critical components is the T-700 engine, which is manufactured by GE Aviation (a US company) under license from Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI). TAI is responsible for producing certain parts for the T-700 engine, and these parts are then shipped to GE Aviation for final assembly.
Turkey’s Intervention
In 2020, Turkey’s government, under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, decided to intervene in the Apache delivery to India. Turkey cited national security concerns and alleged that the Apache helicopters could be used against Turkey’s interests. Specifically, Turkey was concerned that the Apaches could be deployed against its adversaries in the region, including the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which is considered a terrorist organization by Turkey.
Turkey’s intervention took the form of withholding critical components, including the T-700 engine parts, which are essential for the Apache helicopters. Without these components, Boeing could not complete the final assembly of the Apaches, and the delivery to India was effectively halted.
Impact on India
The delay in Apache delivery had significant implications for India. The Indian military had been awaiting the arrival of the Apaches to enhance its counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism capabilities, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict in Jammu and Kashmir. The delay meant that India’s military modernization plans were put on hold, and the country’s defense preparedness was potentially compromised.
India’s Response
India responded to Turkey’s intervention by engaging in diplomatic efforts to resolve the issue. The Indian government reached out to the US government, which in turn, pressed Boeing and GE Aviation to find alternative sources for the T-700 engine parts. India also explored the possibility of sourcing the components from other countries or manufacturers.
Resolution and Aftermath
After several months of diplomatic efforts, the issue was eventually resolved, and the Apache helicopters were delivered to India. The exact details of the resolution are not publicly known, but it is believed that the US government played a key role in resolving the issue, potentially by securing alternative sources for the T-700 engine parts or by persuading Turkey to release the withheld components.
The episode highlighted the complexities of global defense procurement and the potential risks associated with relying on third-party countries for critical components. It also underscored the importance of diplomatic efforts in resolving such disputes and ensuring the timely delivery of critical military equipment.
Conclusion
The Turkey-India-Apache helicopter saga is a significant example of the geopolitical complexities that can arise in global defense procurement. The episode highlights the need for countries to diversify their sourcing and develop domestic capabilities to mitigate such risks. For India, the experience has been a valuable lesson in the importance of developing its domestic defense industry and reducing its reliance on external sources for critical military equipment.
