Russia has proposed establishing drone production facilities in Uzbekistan.
This announcement was made by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin during a joint commission meeting with the Uzbek government.
Mishustin indicated that Moscow and Tashkent are exploring the possibility of localizing the production of what are described as civilian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and their components in Uzbekistan.
"We are examining the opportunities to organize high-tech polymer production and localize the manufacturing of civilian UAV systems and their components," Mishustin said.
However, he did not specify which particular civilian drones are being considered. Currently, the Uzbek military uses the export version of the Russian Orlan-10E reconnaissance drone.
It is noteworthy that Uzbekistan announced plans in 2022 to develop its own UAVs under the name Lochin, which feature vertical takeoff and landing capabilities. These drones are intended for both military and civilian applications.
The production of UAVs is managed by the Scientific and Production Center for Unmanned Aerial Systems, established under the State Committee for Defense Industry. The center is equipped with technological and specialized equipment, including a testing laboratory for the production, assembly, repair, and maintenance of drones.
Additionally, in November of the previous year, it was reported that Uzbekistan had become an operator of Turkish Bayraktar TB2 strike drones produced by Baykar.
