Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan has been exploring the possibility of establishing its own production of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for approximately five years, according to Bakhtiyor Ergashev, Director of the Ma’no Research Initiative Center.

He made this statement on 12 September during a video conference between Moscow and Tashkent following Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin’s visit to Uzbekistan.

"For the past 4-5 years, Uzbekistan has repeatedly expressed its intention to create its own UAV production. The country has been actively seeking partners and studying the market in this direction," Ergashev noted.

He added that drones are becoming a vital tool in agriculture, for example, in the spraying of chemicals. According to him, UAVs can be used not only for military purposes but also for the digitalization of agriculture. Currently, drones are actively being used for applying mineral fertilizers and other substances.

Ergashev emphasized that if Russia and Uzbekistan implement a project for UAV production and assembly, it will enable Uzbekistan to establish a diversified production base, covering various directions and components.