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Afghanistan

Uzbekistan Denies Reports on Return of Afghan Military Helicopters

Speculation has resurfaced regarding the fate of Afghan military aircraft flown to Central Asia during the collapse of the previous Afghan government in August 2021. On September 10, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told The Kabul Times that Uzbekistan had agreed to return helicopters that Afghan pilots had flown across the border as Kabul fell. He claimed the transfer of 57 helicopters was imminent, describing it as a step toward rebuilding Afghanistan’s air force and strengthening ties between the two countries. According to Mujahid, the aircraft had remained in Uzbekistan under the terms of quiet negotiations between Tashkent and Kabul. The U.S. Department of Defense previously confirmed that 46 planes and helicopters were flown to Uzbekistan and another 18 to Tajikistan in 2021. The aircraft included Mi-17 and UH-60 helicopters, along with PC-12, C-208, AC-208, and A-29 fixed-wing aircraft. However, Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs quickly denied the Taliban’s claims. On September 11, ministry spokesperson Ahror Burkhanov told Gazeta.uz that reports of an agreement to return the helicopters “do not correspond to reality.” He dismissed the information as “fake news” and emphasized that Uzbekistan’s position on the issue remains unchanged. The Taliban has repeatedly demanded the return of the aircraft from both Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, but neither Tashkent nor Dushanbe has responded to these requests publicly. U.S. Ambassador to Uzbekistan Jonathan Henick previously stated that Washington and Tashkent reached an understanding in 2021 regarding the aircraft. He added that part of the military equipment remains in Uzbekistan, and that the two governments are cooperating on the matter through a joint program. Prior to the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, Afghanistan’s air fleet included 164 military aircraft. Today, only 81 are believed to remain. As the government collapsed, many Afghan Air Force pilots fled with their aircraft to neighboring countries, including Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.

Tajik-Afghan Border

CSTO to Begin Arms Supplies to the Tajik-Afghan Border in 2026

Beginning in 2026, the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) will start delivering weapons and military equipment to bolster the alliance's southern borders, particularly to reinforce the Tajik-Afghan frontier. This development was announced on May 19 by CSTO Secretary General Imangali Tasmagambetov during a meeting of the CSTO Parliamentary Assembly in Bishkek. Armed Response to Regional Threats Tasmagambetov highlighted that the initiative stems from the Targeted Inter-State Program (TIP), approved in Astana in November 2024. This program reflects the CSTO's collective resolve to address security vulnerabilities along its southern periphery. “The task now is to implement it in full,” he stated. These security issues were previously discussed during an April 2025 meeting in Dushanbe with Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rahmon. Despite regional stabilization efforts, Afghanistan continues to pose serious risks, including terrorism, arms trafficking, and the narcotics trade. Tasmagambetov emphasized, “The Taliban regime is proving to be a long-term political factor.” He noted that CSTO members, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia, have intensified diplomatic engagement with Afghanistan to support regional stability. The CSTO Secretariat will maintain vigilance and enhance coordination to counter emerging threats. Signs of Regional Progress In contrast to the ongoing security challenges, Tasmagambetov acknowledged promising developments in Central Asia. He pointed to the March 13 state border agreement between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, as well as the March 31 tripoint agreement involving Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. These steps are seen as crucial in easing regional tensions. Tajik-Afghan Border a Strategic Focus Through 2029 The TIP for strengthening the Tajik-Afghan border is scheduled to be implemented in three stages and will run until 2029. Its goals include reinforcing southern Tajikistan’s military infrastructure and improving the region’s capacity to respond swiftly to cross-border threats. The program outlines measures for allied coordination, arms deliveries, and enhancements to logistics, communications, and border infrastructure.

Defense

Kazakhstan to Establish Major Defense Industry Hub at Semey Tank Repair Plant

Kazakhstan is set to create a large-scale defense industry center based on Central Asia’s only tank repair plant, located in Semey. The announcement was made by Kazakhstan's Defense Minister Ruslan Zhaksylykov during a conference of the Association of Defense Industry Enterprises. According to Zhaksylykov, the facility will go beyond its current role of repairing and modernizing military equipment and will also begin producing weapons. This initiative aims to enhance Kazakhstan’s defense capabilities and reduce the country’s reliance on imported military hardware. The Semey tank repair plant, operational since 1987, specializes in servicing armored personnel carriers (APCs), self-propelled artillery units, and tanks. Transforming it into a defense industry hub will allow Kazakhstan to expand its military production and strengthen its position in the regional defense sector. "Today, 124 companies operate in Kazakhstan's defense industry, but not all are actual manufacturers. Some exist only to receive funds from state defense contracts without producing anything," Zhaksylykov stated. To address these inefficiencies, the minister proposed establishing a special commission comprising representatives from both the Defense Ministry and private sector businesses. Zhaksylykov also underscored the importance of localizing military production. He emphasized that even if advanced military technologies are sourced from abroad, their adaptation and manufacturing should take place within Kazakhstan to ensure technological independence and sustainability.

United Nations

UN Pays Kazakhstan $2.6 Million Annually for Military Equipment in Golan Heights

The United Nations pays Kazakhstan $2.6 million per year for the lease of military equipment and weapons used in its peacekeeping mission in the Golan Heights, Kazakhstan's Deputy Defense Minister Shaykh-Khasan Zhazykbayev announced at a Mazhilis meeting. On February 12, Mazhilis deputies ratified a memorandum with the UN outlining the terms of Kazakhstan’s contribution to the mission. Since March 2024, 139 Kazakhstani servicemen have been deployed to the region, supported by 26 units of military equipment. Under the agreement, UN payments are divided into two categories: approximately $2.4 million per year is allocated for personnel maintenance, while $2.6 million covers the lease of military equipment, weapons, and other resources. Each Kazakhstani peacekeeper receives a monthly salary of $1,448, along with additional payments for leave and out-of-pocket expenses. A separate agreement between Kazakhstan and the UN regulates financial transactions. Under this arrangement, payments for military personnel go directly to the soldiers, while funds for leased equipment and property are transferred to the state budget. During 11 months of operations in the Golan Heights, Kazakhstani peacekeepers have neutralized approximately 200 unexploded ordnance and conducted the evacuation of a UN employee. The Ministry of Defense of Kazakhstan reported that in December 2024, the contingent demonstrated a high level of professionalism, efficiency, and coordination. Meanwhile, tensions in the conflict zone remain high. The Kazakh contingent operates in a region where hostilities between Israel and Syria persist. Israel continues to expand military infrastructure in the Golan Heights, which it has controlled since 1967. However, many countries recognize the area as Syrian territory and consider it occupied. Previously, the UN discussed the possibility of evacuating Kazakhstani peacekeepers if the security situation deteriorates.

Taliban

Uzbekistan-Afghanistan Relations Falter Over Return of Taliban Helicopters

Uzbekistan has returned some of the helicopters flown into its territory by Afghan pilots during the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan to the United States, Voice of America reported, citing Pentagon officials at an event at the Uzbek Embassy in Washington. Most of the American aircraft brought to Uzbekistan by Afghan pilots have now been returned. Recently, seven Black Hawk helicopters were sent back to the United States, according to Voice of America. Uzbekistan’s decision has drawn criticism from the Taliban-controlled Ministry of Defense, which claims the aircraft belong to Afghanistan and should be returned. “These helicopters were taken to Uzbekistan when officials from the previous administration fled. They are Afghan property and should not be transferred to the United States,” the ministry stated. It also called on neighboring countries to respect Afghanistan’s rights and urged the U.S. to return the aircraft instead of creating further obstacles. U.S. Ambassador to Uzbekistan Jonathan Henick confirmed that in 2021, Washington and Tashkent reached an agreement regarding the aircraft. He noted that some military equipment remains in Uzbekistan and that both countries have begun working on a joint program related to it. Afghanistan’s Ministry of Defense, however, has rejected any such agreement, stating that the U.S. has no right to seize or transfer Afghan property. It urged Uzbekistan to return the aircraft in the spirit of good neighborly relations. According to Afghan media, prior to the Taliban’s takeover in August 2021, Afghanistan had 164 warplanes, but only 81 remain. Some Afghan pilots also flew aircraft to Tajikistan. Uzbekistan has made it clear that the helicopters are now under U.S. jurisdiction. The Taliban, however, continues to insist that they rightfully belong to Afghanistan and should be returned.

Drones

Uzbekistan to Receive Advanced ANKA Drones from Turkish Defense Company TUSAŞ

Uzbekistan will soon receive ANKA drones from Turkish defense company TUSAŞ, according to the SavunmaSanayiST portal. Deliveries are expected to begin in the coming days, though Uzbekistan has not disclosed details regarding the number of drones, their cost, or the terms of the agreement. Originally developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) for the Turkish Armed Forces in the early 2000s, ANKA drones were initially designed for surveillance and reconnaissance. Over time, they have been upgraded with advanced radar systems, precision weaponry, and satellite communication capabilities. The first model, Anka-A, was introduced in 2010, with the Turkish Air Force signing its first contract for the drones in 2013. Subsequent improvements have equipped the drones with a national mission computer, an advanced flight control system, synthetic aperture radar, and a friend-or-foe identification system. TAI currently offers the Anka-B and Anka-S models, while the Anka-I variant was specifically developed for Turkey’s National Intelligence Organization for signals intelligence. As of March 2021, ANKA drones had accumulated over 90,000 flight hours. Uzbekistan has been steadily modernizing its defense forces. Last year, U.S. News ranked Uzbekistan 19th globally in military strength, the highest ranking among Central Asian countries. The acquisition of ANKA drones is expected to further enhance Uzbekistan’s surveillance and defense capabilities, reinforcing its position as a regional military power.