Seven Black Hawk helicopters previously belonging to the former Afghan army and stationed in Uzbekistan have been transferred to the United States, according to Uzbek media reports.
The Pentagon assessed the helicopters as suitable for use and subsequently transported them to the U.S., sources confirmed.
According to Uzbek officials, a total of 22 military aircraft and 24 helicopters from the former Afghan armed forces were in Uzbekistan, of which seven helicopters have now been relocated to the United States.
Uzbekistan and U.S. Strengthen Defence Cooperation
During a ceremony at the Uzbek Embassy in Washington marking the 33rd anniversary of Uzbekistan’s Armed Forces, officials from both nations reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing defence and security cooperation, particularly in relation to Afghanistan and regional stability.
Uzbekistan’s Ambassador to the U.S., Furqat Sidiqov, stated that Tashkent is prepared to expand cooperation with Washington across all sectors. He emphasised that the Uzbek government highly values collaboration between the security agencies and armed forces of both countries.
In August 2023, U.S. Ambassador to Uzbekistan, Jonathan Henick, confirmed that under a new agreement, 46 former Afghan military aircraft and helicopters would remain under Uzbek control.
“These assets never belonged to the Afghans; they have always been U.S. property. The Afghan military used them, but we have always retained ownership,” Henick stated.
Taliban Rejects Transfer of Military Assets
On 15 August 2021, Uzbek officials confirmed that 22 military aircraft and 24 helicopters from the Afghan armed forces had entered Uzbekistan’s airspace.
Former Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, along with a group of close associates, also fled to Uzbekistan using three military helicopters before eventually relocating to the United Arab Emirates.
Meanwhile, the Taliban’s Ministry of Defence has strongly rejected the transfer of Afghan military assets, stating that the United States has no right to seize or donate Afghanistan’s equipment. The group has urged Uzbekistan to return the aircraft belonging to the Afghan Air Force.
Last year, Taliban Defence Minister Mohammad Yaqub declared in Kabul that the Taliban “would never allow Afghanistan’s northern neighbours to seize or use these aircraft.”
