AS532 of the Royal Netherlands Air Force. Image – Arpingstone [Public domain]
The Uzbek Air Force appears to have placed a second order for AS532 helicopters from Airbus.
Over the past year, the Uzbek military seems to have introduced new AS532 helicopters into service, suggesting a follow-on order from the initial contract has been placed. Tashkent is reported to have signed for eight AS532s, as well as six AS550s, in 2013. These have all been delivered, and another three seem to be in service as of this year.
The helicopters under the initial contract bear the numbers 201 through 208 and have been seen participating in various training exercises throughout the years as the Uzbek military drills for various missions.
In 2013, Uzbekistan purchased eight AS532s (as well as six AS550s).
Here's the photos of 205, 206, 207, and 208, which together with 201-204 should be the complete set of eight AS532s under the 2013 contract. pic.twitter.com/ox4kBGWYtd
— Derek Bisaccio (@DerekBisaccio) October 28, 2019
Over this past year, however, three helicopters – bearing the numbers 209, 210, and 211 – have been spotted in the country, suggesting a follow-on order was placed. It is not presently believed that the Uzbek military renumbered any of the original AS532s.
However, this year, the military has been seen operating AS532s with the numbers 209, 210, and 211. The appearance of these would imply that Uzbekistan exercised an option for more AS532s, probably in the last few years. pic.twitter.com/RtuENkUjrd
— Derek Bisaccio (@DerekBisaccio) October 28, 2019
At least 11 AS532s are now seemingly in service, though there has not been any official confirmation of an additional deal. It is thus not evident how many helicopters were ordered or when the deliveries should be completed. Financial details have not been disclosed.
The Uzbek government has continued to show interest in Airbus products. Earlier this year, the country inked a memorandum of understanding that might see it acquire nearly three dozen helicopters – reported to be all AS550s – from the European firm. Some, if not all, of these are reported to be destined for use in civilian roles rather than for the military.
Military markets analyst, covering Eurasia, Middle East, and Africa.
