Airbus Helicopters has secured a contract from Uztechtrade, the state-owned Uzbek enterprise responsible for importing military and dual-use equipment, for the supply of Flexrotor unmanned systems. The exact number of units to be delivered has not been disclosed.
“Uzbekistan has been a trusted partner for many years, and we are delighted that Uztechtrade has selected the Flexrotor to strengthen its uncrewed operations,” said Olivier Michalon, Executive Vice President and Head of Global Business at Airbus Helicopters. “This agreement is a landmark for the region, making Uzbekistan the first Central Asian nation to adopt the Flexrotor. The decision highlights Uzbekistan’s drive to embrace innovative technologies and deepens our collaboration across both manned and unmanned platforms.”
The Flexrotor is built to support a wide range of missions, with a primary focus on intelligence gathering, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance. Uzbekistan intends to deploy the system in advanced manned-unmanned teaming operations, pairing it with crewed helicopters to improve situational awareness and overall mission capability.
The aircraft is Airbus’ latest entrant in its UAS lineup—an advanced vertical takeoff and landing system with a maximum takeoff weight of 25 kg (55 lbs). In standard configuration, it can operate for 12 to 14 hours and can be fitted with various payloads, including electro-optical cameras and specialized sensors, depending on mission requirements. Designed for flexibility, the Flexrotor can autonomously take off and land on land or at sea, needing only a compact 3.7 x 3.7 metre (12 x 12 ft) area, making it well-suited for operations in remote or mobile environments.
Airbus Helicopters is a global leader in rotorcraft innovation, known for its wide portfolio of civil and military helicopters designed to deliver high performance, safety, and reliability. With a strong presence across defense, emergency medical services, law enforcement, corporate transport, and offshore operations, the company focuses on advancing next-generation technologies such as hybrid propulsion, autonomous systems, and enhanced flight safety features. Backed by decades of engineering expertise and a commitment to sustainable aviation, Airbus Helicopters continues to shape the future of vertical flight while supporting customers worldwide with comprehensive maintenance, training, and support solutions.
