President Shavkat Mirziyoyev visited the Center for Innovative Technologies of the Defense Industry Agency in Tashkent on February 21, where he reviewed the production capabilities, advanced developments, and military and dual-use products.
The agency, operating under the Ministry of Defense of Uzbekistan, is carrying out systematic work on modernizing weaponry, mastering new technologies, and introducing promising innovations into the armed forces, reports Gazeta.uz.
The Center for Innovative Technologies produces about 80 types of military equipment and dual-use products. Startup projects in robotics and unmanned aerial vehicles are also supported.
During the visit, President Mirziyoyev was presented with new military equipment models, promising projects, and plans for the further development of the defense sector.
The head of Uzbekistan emphasized that these are only the first steps in developing the industry and stressed the need to continue efforts to enhance the competitiveness of the national defense complex.
He instructed officials to expand production capabilities, master new types of products, and integrate innovative technologies and artificial intelligence into the process.
Shavkat Mirziyoyev also called for a greater role of the private sector in the defense industry through contractual cooperation, as well as an expansion of the range of military and dual-use products. Special attention was given to job creation, specialist training, and the establishment of laboratories for new types of military technology.
Uzbekistan's defense-industrial enterprises actively participate in international specialized exhibitions. In particular, at the IDEX-2025 exhibition in Abu Dhabi (UAE), held from February 17 to 21, more than 100 units of domestically produced military equipment and products were showcased. Among the exhibits were the Arslon 8×8 and Arslon 6×6 armored personnel carriers, as well as the Tufon self-propelled howitzer, which attracted significant interest from foreign partners, the report states.
Following the visit, the president outlined strategic directions for the further development of the defense industry and set the task of strengthening the positions of domestic manufacturers in the international market.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
February 21, 2025