21.02.2025

On February 21 President Shavkat Mirziyoyev visited Defense industry Agency’s Center of innovative technologies to get acquainted with industrial capacities, advanced developments and conditions created for the production of military and dual-use products.

The development of the defense industry plays a key role in strengthening the country's defense capability along with the professional training of military personnel. The establishment of a modern defense industry in Uzbekistan at the initiative of the President was a historic achievement. The agency under the Ministry of Defense is carrying out systematic work to modernize weapons, master new technologies and introduce prospective developments to the troops.

The Center of Innovative Technologies has set up production of about 80 types of military equipment and dual-use products. Startup projects on robotics and unmanned aerial vehicles are supported. 

During the visit, the President was presented with new samples of military equipment, promising projects and plans for further development of the defense sector. 

The Head of State stressed that these are only the first steps in the development of the industry and it is necessary to continue efforts to improve the competitiveness of the domestic defense sector. He gave specific instructions to expand production capabilities, master new types of products, and use innovative technologies and artificial intelligence.

Instructions have been given on broader involvement of the private sector in the industry on a contractual basis and expanding the range of military and dual-use products. Particular attention has been paid to creating new jobs, training specialists and organizing laboratories for new types of equipment.

It should be noted that Uzbekistan's defense-industrial enterprises actively participate in specialized international exhibitions. In particular, at the ongoing exhibition “IDEX-2025” in Abu Dhabi (UAE) from February 17 to 21, more than 100 units of military equipment and products of domestic production are presented. Among the exhibits are the “Arslon 8×8” and “Arslon 6×6” armored personnel carriers, as well as the “Tufon” self-propelled howitzer, which aroused great interest among foreign partners.

As a result of the visit, the President outlined strategic areas for further development of the defense industry and set specific tasks for the responsible persons to ensure high quality of products, expand production potential and strengthen the positions of domestic manufacturers in the international market.