Mirziyoyev reviews Uzbekistan’s latest military innovations

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev visited the Center for Innovative Technologies of the Defense Industry Agency on February 21 to inspect the latest advancements in military and dual-purpose products. The Presidential Press Service reported on the visit.

Alongside the professional training of military personnel, the development of the defense industry is crucial to strengthening the country’s armed forces. The agency, operating under the Ministry of Defense, is systematically modernizing weaponry, integrating new technologies, and introducing advanced developments into military operations.

Currently, the Center for Innovative Technologies is producing approximately 80 military and dual-purpose products. It is also fostering startup projects focused on robotics and unmanned aerial vehicles.

“During the visit, new models of military equipment, promising projects, and plans for the further development of the defense sector were presented,” the report stated.

Recognizing these efforts as initial steps, the President instructed officials to enhance the defense system’s competitiveness.

“It is important to systematically improve production and master new products, including the widespread use of innovative technologies and artificial intelligence,” he emphasized.

At the same time, Mirziyoyev gave directives to involve the private sector in the industry on a contractual basis and expand the range of military and dual-purpose products.

“Attention was paid to the issues of creating new jobs, systematic training of specialists, and the organization of scientific laboratories for new equipment,” the report added.

Uzbekistan’s defense industry is actively participating in international defense exhibitions. Notably, over 100 domestically produced military products are being showcased at IDEX-2025, taking place in Abu Dhabi (UAE) from February 17 to 21. Among them are the Arslan 8×8 and Arslan 6×6 armored personnel carriers, as well as the Tofon self-propelled howitzer, which have drawn significant interest from foreign partners.

At the conclusion of his visit, President Mirziyoyev outlined strategic priorities for the defense industry’s further development. He set specific tasks for officials to ensure high product quality, expand production capabilities, and strengthen Uzbekistan’s presence in the global defense market.