First in Central Asia: Uzbekistan Orders Flexrotor Drones from Airbus

Uzbekistan has signed a contract with Airbus Helicopters for the purchase of Flexrotor unmanned aerial systems.

This was reported by Infodefensa.

Thus, Uzbekistan became the first country in Central Asia to place an order for these unmanned systems.

According to an official press release from Airbus, an unspecified number of systems will be ordered to be delivered with manned helicopters under a contract signed during the Dubai Airshow on November 19.

The Flexrotor drone is designed to perform intelligence, surveillance, targeting and reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions, with the ability to integrate into control systems with or without a crew.

The system has a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capability, a maximum takeoff weight of about 25 kg, the ability to stay in the air for 12-14 hours in a typical configuration, and is designed for expeditionary use with minimal infrastructure. Uzbekistan plans to use these drones in crewed-uncrewed teaming, for example, in combination with helicopters, to increase situational awareness and efficiency of operations.

Earlier, Militarnyi reported that Airbus has unveiled a new multi-purpose unmanned helicopter, the MQ-72C Lakota Connector.