TASHKENT, Uzbekistan - The Uzbek government has denied reports in Afghan media that it is planning to return dozens of military aircraft to Afghanistan.

During the Taliban’s 2021 offensive, Afghan National Army pilots flew dozens of helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft out of the country, landing in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. As many as 64 aircraft fled Afghanistan, including Mi-17, UH-60, PC-12, C-208, AC-208, and A-29 aircraft, and the Taliban has continuously demanded their return from its northern neighbors.

Of the total, 46 aircraft went to Uzbekistan, while 18 relocated to Tajikistan. Previous reporting indicated that Washington had agreed for Uzbekistan to take formal ownership of the equipment that landed in its borders.

Last week, government sources told Afghanistan International that Tashkent would imminently return 57 aircraft to the Afghan government. Several days later, Afghan government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told the Kabul Times that an agreement had been reached for the return of the aircraft.

But Uzbekistan swiftly denied the reports. "These reports do not correspond to reality. Uzbekistan’s position remains unchanged -- this is fake news," Uzbek Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Ahror Burkhanov stated.

Source: Kun.uz
Associated URL: https://kun.uz/en/11692045

SEOUL - South Korea’s defense acquisition agency has launched the system development phase for a project to modernize its fleet of UH/HH-60 Black Hawk helicopters. The program, valued at 994.3 billion won ($715 million), will upgrade more than 30 of the nation’s 144 Black Hawks to adapt them for future operational environments. A consortium led by Korean Air has been tasked with completing the project by 2029.

The performance improvements will focus on replacing the helicopter’s analog cockpit with a modern digital version featuring a multi-function display and new navigation and communication systems. The aircraft will also be equipped with enhanced survival systems, including a radar warning receiver, to bolster survivability during special operations and search-and-rescue missions. Officials stated the upgrades will transform the aircraft into a multi-role platform.

The project will be conducted through domestic research and development and is expected to develop more than 50 components locally. According to the Defense Acquisition Program Administration, the effort is intended to strengthen South Korea’s defense industry, advance its aviation technology, and enhance the military’s aerial infiltration and rescue capabilities.

Source: Defense Post
Associated URL: https://thedefensepost.com/2025/09/11/south-korea-black-hawk-improvement/

TASHKENT - Uzbekistan has reportedly agreed to return a number of military helicopters that were flown out of Afghanistan by military personnel in August 2021, according to an announcement by a Taliban spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid. According to the spokesman, the agreement was reached after "calm negotiations" between the two countries. The handover of 57 helicopters is expected to take place soon and will be a step toward "rebuilding Afghanistan's air force."

The US Department of Defense has confirmed that 46 aircraft and helicopters were flown to Uzbekistan, and another 18 to Tajikistan, at the time of the Afghan government's collapse. These included a mix of Mi-17 and UH-60 helicopters, along with fixed-wing aircraft. While the Taliban has repeatedly requested the return of these assets from both countries, officials in Tashkent and Dushanbe have not commented publicly on the demands.

The announcement by the Taliban spokesman follows previous statements from a US ambassador to Uzbekistan, who said an agreement had been reached for the aircraft to remain under Uzbek control. The US Embassy in Afghanistan had also expressed gratitude to Tajikistan for not handing over the aircraft.

Source: Qalampir
Associated URL: https://qalampir.uz/en/news/uzbekiston-afgonistondan-olib-utilgan-vertoletlarni-k-aytarishga-rozi-buldi-oav-124037