Mirziyoyev holds Security Council meeting on strengthening national defense  

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan and Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, held a meeting on February 21 to discuss military security and national defense. The Presidential Press Service reported on the session.  

The meeting was attended by members of the Security Council, heads of ministries and departments of the Armed Forces, district commanders, as well as the chairmen of the Jokargy Kenes and the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, who joined remotely from local studios. Additionally, regional and Tashkent city mayors, along with other local government officials, participated in the discussion.  

At the outset, the President reviewed the progress made in strengthening Uzbekistan's defense capabilities, highlighting both achievements and existing shortcomings.  

“It was noted that our national army is being supplied with modern weapons and equipment, and the combat and moral training of military personnel has significantly improved. Based on global experience and analysis, new combat units have been established to prevent and counter internal and external threats, and the structure of the troops has been optimized,” the report stated.  

The discussion also touched on the expansion of the country’s defense industry, with the establishment of additional enterprises and advancements in modernizing the armed forces. Uzbekistan’s Armed Forces have also developed bilateral military cooperation with over 20 countries, successfully participating in more than 400 joint exercises.  

“The infrastructure of military universities within the Armed Forces has been completely modernized, and the curriculum and methodology have been adapted to meet today's requirements,” the report added.  

Efforts to enhance the social and legal protection of military personnel and their families were also emphasized. Over the past year, approximately 30,000 military families have been provided with housing, while children of more than 2,000 military personnel have received special privileges for university admissions.  

“The military-administrative sectors, state and public organizations are actively contributing to improving conditions for the country’s defenders. Greater attention is being paid to fostering patriotism among young people and providing them with initial military training before conscription,” the report noted.  

The meeting outlined key priorities for 2025 and the coming years.  

“It was emphasized that in defining the strategic directions for the development of our national army, it is essential to consider modern armed conflicts, security threats, and the characteristics of potential military operations,” the report said.  

Given the increasing use of artificial intelligence, robotics, missiles, drones, and counter-drone technologies in regional conflicts, the need to establish new military units specializing in drone warfare, cyber operations, and air defense was underscored.  

President Mirziyoyev also stressed the importance of enhancing combat readiness, improving key defense indicators, and developing a unified automated command system powered by artificial intelligence. He called for integrating dual education in military training and strengthening the "Sergeant Major Corps," described as the backbone of the army.  

Additional priorities include further developing the defense industry, expanding social support for military personnel and their families, promoting patriotic education among youth, and encouraging engagement in military sports.  

During the meeting, the Minister of Defense, military district commanders, and other officials presented their reports and proposals.  

It is worth noting that earlier in the day, President Mirziyoyev visited the Center for Innovative Technologies of the Defense Industry Agency to review its production capabilities, cutting-edge developments, and military and dual-purpose products.