US Brings $12 Billion to Uzbekistan—Russia Brings Tanks and Troops

Uzbekistan has signed $12 billion worth of agreements with American companies while welcoming Russian troops for joint military exercises near its border with Afghanistan, highlighting the Central Asian country’s growing economic ties with Washington alongside its continued defense cooperation with Moscow.

According to Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade, 54 agreements with US companies were signed in Samarkand on October 19. Just one day later, Russian and Uzbek forces launched the Hamkorlik-2026 military exercises at the Termez training ground in southern Uzbekistan, according to Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Defense.

The American agreements cover critical minerals, energy, transportation, financial services, digital technologies, and industrial development. Companies involved include GE Aerospace, Wabtec, BlackRock, Citigroup, and Franklin Templeton.

The $12 billion figure represents the announced value of the agreements rather than funds already invested.

The deals come as Washington seeks to expand its economic influence in Central Asia, a region where Russia and China have traditionally maintained strong political, economic, and security ties.

Russian troops from the 201st Military Base in neighboring Tajikistan traveled more than 300 kilometers through mountainous terrain to reach the training ground near the Afghan border.

The Russian military column included BTR-82A armored personnel carriers, Ural military trucks, and specialized vehicles based on KamAZ chassis.

The exercises focus on detecting and eliminating simulated armed groups operating in border areas. Russian and Uzbek forces are expected to deploy reconnaissance and attack drones, ground robotic systems, mountain assault units, and Mi-24 attack helicopters.

The military cooperation reflects an established relationship between Moscow and Tashkent. The two countries conducted similar exercises at the same training ground in July 2025 and have agreed on a defense cooperation plan covering 2026–2030.

Earlier in October, Russia conducted the Center-2026 military exercises involving more than 47,000 troops, during which its forces rehearsed an offensive into a neighboring Central Asian country and the establishment of a “security zone” on its territory. Although Moscow did not identify the country, the location of the drills suggested Kazakhstan as the potential target.

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