USA and Uzbekistan Agree on Aircraft Transfer from Afghanistan
Uzbekistan to Keep Aircraft Transferred by Afghan Military in 2021
The authorities of Uzbekistan and the United States have reached an agreement regarding the fate of the aircraft that was transferred by the Afghan military to Uzbekistan in August 2021. US Ambassador to Tashkent Jonathan Henick confirmed this news to Kun.uz.
“It will be in Uzbekistan. Yes, it is already official,” stated the ambassador when asked about the aircraft’s transfer to Uzbekistan. He mentioned that the parties are already implementing a joint program in this regard.
Henick clarified, “This equipment was never Afghan, it was American. The Afghan army used it, but we have always been the owners.”
Reports from Afghan media indicate that before the Taliban took control in Afghanistan, there were 164 combat aircraft, but that number has now decreased to only 81. Some Afghan Air Force pilots managed to fly some of the aircraft and helicopters to Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.
In total, Uzbekistan received 22 military aircraft and 24 military helicopters, including models like the Embraer EMB 314 Super Tucano, UH-60 Black Hawk, MD-530, and Mi-17.
It was also revealed that the United States will be repairing six Pilatus PC-12 aircraft in Uzbekistan for $64.2 million, which was a part of the aircraft that crossed into Uzbekistan in August 2021.
In a report by Politico in September 2022, it was mentioned that the United States may transfer up to 50 military aircraft and helicopters to Tajikistan and Uzbekistan in exchange for assistance in combating terrorism in Afghanistan.
