Uzbekistan becomes region’s first customer for Airbus Flexrotor drones

Image: Airbus Helicopters

Uzbekistan’s state-owned company Uztechtrade signed a contract with Airbus Helicopters for the supply of an undisclosed number of Flexrotor unmanned systems. These 25 kg vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) drones can remain airborne for 12-14 hours and are intended for reconnaissance missions.

“This contract marks a pivotal moment, as Uzbekistan becomes the first customer for the Flexrotor in Central Asia,” said Olivier Michalon, Executive Vice President and head of Global Business for Airbus Helicopters.

Uzbekistan plans to use the Flexrotor, integrating its operations with crewed helicopters to enhance situational awareness and mission effectiveness, Airbus Helicopters noted.

Airbus acquired the developer of the Flexrotor UAV—the US company Aerovel—in 2024. The performance of these drones has already been tested by the navies of Germany, Spain, and Portugal, where the Flexrotor successfully relayed information to crewed helicopters, extending their surveillance range.