“It will be in Uzbekistan. Yes, it is already official,” the ambassador said, answering the question of whether the aircraft is being transferred to Uzbekistan. According to the diplomat, the parties are already implementing a joint program.

“This equipment was never Afghan, it was American. The Afghan army used it, but we have always been the owners,” Henick said.

According to Afghan media, before the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan, there were 164 combat aircraft, currently – only 81. Afghan Air Force pilots were able to ferry some of the aircraft and helicopters to Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.

In total, 22 military aircraft and 24 military helicopters arrived in Uzbekistan. Among them were the Embraer EMB 314 Super Tucano, UH-60 Black Hawk, MD-530 and Mi-17 models.

Earlier, it became known that the United States will repair six Pilatus PC-12 aircraft in Uzbekistan for $ 64.2 million. This model was among the aircraft that crossed the border of Uzbekistan in August 2021.

Politico reported in September 2022 that the United States could transfer up to 50 military aircraft and helicopters to Tajikistan and Uzbekistan in exchange for assistance in the fight against terrorism in Afghanistan.