Uzbekistan prepares to expand drone use in the economy: presentation to the president

Presentation to the president: drones as an economic sector

On November 4, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed a presentation on expanding the use of unmanned aircraft systems across economic sectors and streamlining this field, the president's press service reported. As noted at the presentation, the global drone market is growing by 10–15% per year, and the widespread adoption of such technologies could accelerate economic growth, increase demand for qualified specialists, and develop new technological areas.

Where drones can be used

Specific areas of application were named at the presentation: in agriculture — monitoring of crop fields, their treatment and yield monitoring; in industry — control of production processes and infrastructure condition; in cities — monitoring and management of road traffic. Proposals on creating favorable conditions for entrepreneurial and investment activity in this field were also considered separately.

What changes to regulation are proposed

Expanding the use of unmanned aviation, according to the assessment voiced at the presentation, requires modern regulatory mechanisms that ensure flight safety and the inviolability of citizens' private lives. It is proposed to create a unified digital information systemconsolidating data on UAVs, clearly define flight zones and the procedure for their use, and improve unified rules for drone use, their registration, flight coordination, damage compensation mechanisms, and insurance. Following the results, the president instructed that, based on advanced foreign experience, proposals be prepared to improve legislation — with a view to expanding the use of drones in the economy and developing their domestic production.

Personnel and context: what is already in place

Starting from the new academic year, training of specialists in unmanned aircraft systems is planned to be launched at the Transport University: education is expected to be linked to practice, and young people's interest in aviation technologies is to be supported. At the same time, as Gazeta notes, the exact timelines for the changes, the list of zones permitted for flights, and the conditions for drone use by individuals have not yet been disclosed. For comparison: since 2015, restrictions on the import, sale, and use of drones have been in effect in the country; under a government resolution of November 2022, companies must obtain special permission from the Cabinet of Ministers to purchase and use drones. In March 2024, the president softened liability for the illegal circulation of drones — for a first violation, an administrative fine of 10–20 BRVs with confiscation was introduced instead of criminal liability. In February 2026, as part of a state program, it was already proposed to ease the rules for the use of civilian drones, including dividing airspace into 'green,' 'yellow,' and 'red' zones; the development of the relevant draft was ordered to be completed by June. Thus, the November presentation continues the previously announced course, but no decisions have been adopted yet — only proposals and instructions were discussed.