WASHINGTON — Seven Black Hawk helicopters, which were flown to Uzbekistan by Afghan pilots during the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan, have been returned to the United States, according to Uzbek media reports.
The return of the aircraft was revealed during an event at the Uzbek Embassy in Washington, marking the 33rd anniversary of Uzbekistan’s Armed Forces, the news outlet Kun.uz reported.
Most of the U.S.-supplied aircraft and helicopters that Afghan pilots used to flee to Uzbekistan in August 2021 were handed over to the Uzbek military. However, seven Black Hawks, which the Pentagon deemed operational, were sent back to the United States.
At the event, Davis Florick, acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense, expressed gratitude to Uzbekistan for its long-standing military and technical cooperation with the United States. He highlighted Tashkent’s role in supporting international military missions in Afghanistan, including providing logistical assistance and facilitating the evacuation of Afghan refugees.
Uzbekistan’s Ambassador to the United States and Canada, Furkat Sidikov, said Tashkent remains committed to expanding its cooperation with Washington, particularly in security and defense matters. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between the armed forces of both nations.
During the collapse of the former Afghan government in August 2021, more than 500 Afghan military personnel flew to Uzbekistan aboard U.S.-supplied aircraft and helicopters. According to the Pentagon, a total of 46 aircraft—including 22 military planes and 24 helicopters—were taken to Uzbekistan as Afghan forces sought refuge following the Taliban’s rapid advance.
