Uzbekistan’s defense industry reaches a new milestone — Expert opinion

On the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Uzbekistan has laid the foundation for a modern defense industry. Doctor of Political Sciences and Professor of International Relations at the Tashkent University of Oriental Studies, Sayfiddin Juraev, shared his insights with QALAMPIR.UZ on this development.

On February 21, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev visited the Center for Innovative Technologies of the Defense Industry Agency, where he reviewed the center’s production capacities, advanced developments, and military and dual-purpose products. The agency is currently implementing major projects to modernize weapons, master new technologies, and integrate cutting-edge developments into the armed forces.

Currently, the center produces about 80 military and dual-purpose products, with special support for startup projects in robotics and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

“Uzbek defense industry enterprises are actively participating in international defense exhibitions. Notably, at the IDEX-2025 exhibition in Abu Dhabi (UAE), held from February 17-21, over 100 samples of military equipment and products manufactured in Uzbekistan were showcased. Among them, the ‘Arslon 8×8’ and ‘Arslon 6×6’ armored personnel carriers, as well as the ‘Tofon’ self-propelled howitzer, attracted significant interest from foreign partners. The head of state emphasized that these achievements are only the first steps and assigned new tasks to enhance the competitiveness of Uzbekistan’s defense system,” Juraev noted.

The President also stressed the importance of continuously improving production processes, mastering new products, and incorporating innovative technologies and artificial intelligence into the sector.

Furthermore, Mirziyoyev instructed officials to engage the private sector more actively, expand the range of military and dual-purpose products, and increase production based on demand. The creation of new jobs, systematic training of specialists, and the establishment of scientific laboratories for new technologies were also highlighted as priorities.

At the end of his visit, the President outlined strategic directions for the further development of Uzbekistan’s defense industry. He issued clear instructions to ensure high product quality, expand production capacity, and strengthen the position of local enterprises in the international market.

“In any sovereign state, the development of the defense industry, along with the professional training of military personnel, is of strategic importance in enhancing national security. In this context, the directives and initiatives put forward by the head of state will make a significant contribution to strengthening Uzbekistan’s national army,” Juraev concluded.