Uzbekistan and Russia to Launch Joint Drone Production Plant by End of 2025

A new drone manufacturing facility is set to open in Uzbekistan by the end of 2025, as part of a joint project with the Russian company “Transport of the Future,” a developer of unmanned aerial systems. The announcement was made by the company’s Director General, Yuri Kozarenko, during the INNOPROM Central Asia industrial exhibition in Tashkent on April 28, according to TASS.

Kozarenko stated that his company had conducted a market analysis and identified robust demand for civilian drones across the region. “We believe that tens of thousands of drones can already be used effectively in the market,” he said. The joint venture is currently under construction and is expected to be fully operational by the end of this year.

In its first phase, the plant is projected to produce drones valued at over $100 million. Approximately 50% of production will be localized in Uzbekistan, encompassing design, assembly, and the development of systems for drone applications across multiple sectors.

Kozarenko also noted that the company is collaborating with Russia’s aviation regulator and Uzbekistan’s Civil Aviation Agency to ensure the safe and efficient deployment of drones. This includes the development of supporting infrastructure and regulatory frameworks.

Education and Innovation as Strategic Priorities

As part of the broader initiative, Kozarenko endorsed the creation of a joint scientific and technical council on unmanned systems. He emphasized the council’s potential role in shaping both current operations and long-term market development.

He further highlighted the importance of investing in education and skills development. “Businesses should understand the value of investing in human potential,” he said.

“Transport of the Future” plans to expand its cooperation with Uzbekistan through additional projects focused on technology sharing and joint development.

As The Times of Central Asia previously reported, the INNOPROM exhibition also featured an announcement on the launch of construction for Uzbekistan’s first small-capacity nuclear power plant.