Uzbek authorities refute claims of returning 57 Afghan military aircraft

Uzbekistan has rejected claims by Afghan media that it plans to return 57 military helicopters to Afghanistan, calling the reports false. This was confirmed by Akhror Burkhanov, spokesperson for the Uzbek Foreign Ministry, in a statement to Uzbek media. He emphasised that Uzbekistan’s position on the matter remains unchanged.

On September 8, Afghanistan International, citing unnamed sources, reported that “in the coming days, Uzbekistan may return 57 military helicopters to Afghanistan that were relocated in 2021 following the fall of the previous regime.” Three days later, The Kabul Times cited Zabihullah Mujahid, a representative of Afghanistan’s interim government, reporting that Tashkent had agreed to return the equipment. Mujahid claimed the move would “be an important step for restoring Afghanistan’s air force and strengthening relations between the two neighbouring countries.”

According to official records, in August 2021, when the Taliban seized power, Afghan military personnel relocated 46 aircraft to Uzbekistan, including 22 military planes and 24 helicopters. These included Embraer EMB 314 Super Tucano aircraft, UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, MD-530s, PC-12s, and Mi-17s.

Afghan sources note that prior to the Taliban takeover, the country had 164 combat aircraft, whereas the current number stands at 81. Additionally, in August 2021, 18 aircraft were moved to Tajikistan, and in September and November 2021, Afghan pilots were relocated first to the UAE and later to the United States.

Over the past years, the interim Afghan government has repeatedly requested the return of its military equipment. However, Uzbek authorities have consistently stressed that these planes and helicopters belong to the United States and are not subject to return.

In August 2024, US Ambassador to Uzbekistan Jonathan Henick stated that the equipment would remain in Uzbekistan and that an agreement had been reached between officials of the two countries. He clarified that “this equipment never belonged to the Afghans.”

According to reports from February 2025, Uzbekistan has already returned seven Black Hawk helicopters to the United States, while dozens of other aircraft and helicopters remain in the country.

By Tamilla Hasanova