Uzbekistan has handed over to the United States seven Black Hawk helicopters that Afghan army pilots flew into the Central Asian country while escaping the Taliban in 2021, according to American diplomatic sources.

The U.S. Embassy in Tashkent confirmed the transfer, though details on the logistics and condition of the helicopters remain unclear. The aircraft are expected to undergo inspections and maintenance upon their arrival in the United States.

The helicopters were among dozens of Afghan military aircraft that fled to neighboring Uzbekistan and Tajikistan in August 2021 as the U.S.-backed Afghan government collapsed. At least 46 aircraft, including A-29 Super Tucanos, Cessna AC-208s, and Mi-17 helicopters, were flown by Afghan pilots into Uzbekistan’s airspace at the time.

The Taliban has strongly objected to the U.S. reclaiming the helicopters, arguing that they are the property of Afghanistan and should be returned. In a statement, the Taliban’s Defense Ministry called the transfer “unacceptable,” reiterating previous demands that all aircraft flown out of Afghanistan in 2021 be handed over.

Uzbek authorities have refused these requests, stating that the aircraft belonged to the U.S. and could not be returned to Afghanistan. U.S. officials later asserted that any aircraft purchased or provided by the United States remained under its control. 

While the seven Black Hawks have been returned to Washington, the remaining U.S. aircraft that entered Uzbekistan’s airspace in 2021 have been integrated into the Uzbek Air Force, according to reports.