India-US Defence Deals: Why CAATSA Should be Avoided

The first batch of S-400 Triumf surface-to-air missile (SAM) system from Russia was delivered to Turkey last month. As a result, the US cancelled the delivery of around 100 fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II fighter aircraft, ordered by Turkey, which also co-manufactures the plane. US officials claim the F-35 cannot coexist with the Russian system, which they believe will be an ‘intelligence collection platform’ to be used to learn about the F-35’s advanced and stealth capabilities. Turkey has been a Nato ally for 65 years. The US helped Turkey build the second-largest military among Nato members. Turkey was one of the very few countries permitted to locally manufacture F-16s, and 270 F-16s are in its inventory today. It further honed aircraft manufacturing by building F-16s for export to countries like Egypt, and upgrading those of Pakistan, Jordan and other customers. Read More…