Uzbekistan plans liberalization in civil drone usage

According to the state program for 2026 approved by the president's decree (UP-22), civil drone usage will be liberalized in Uzbekistan.

The Ministries of Defense, Transport, and Digital Technologies, together with the Agency for Strategic Development and Reforms, must develop a draft decree by June. Legal entities will be allowed to import, manufacture, and use drones for “economic development using modern technologies.”

The decree will include rules for the safe use of drones. Uzbekistan's airspace is planned to be divided into “green,” “yellow,” and “red” zones.

It will also provide for the creation of an automated digital infrastructure to monitor drone flights, establish operator training requirements, and issue drone operation certificates.

Additionally, regulations will define procedures for importing, releasing, operating drones, and providing drone-based services. Activities in this area will be subject to licensing and certification.

Drones in Uzbekistan

Drone import for individuals has been prohibited since 2015. Previously, violators faced 3 to 10 years imprisonment, but in summer 2024 a law amendment reduced liability. Now, the first violation carries a fine up to 20 BRV (~7.5 million UZS) with device confiscation instead of imprisonment.

Legal entities can import and use drones with special permission. Currently, this is mainly used in agriculture — for example, by members of the licorice producers association. In November 2022, the Ministry of Tourism and the Charvak Directorate also received permission to import drones.

In summer 2024, the ASD announced development of a legal act regulating unmanned aviation. Strict drone usage restrictions were noted to slow industry growth.

In January 2025, the Uzaeronavigation center introduced the ATM Safe Sky drone monitoring system. The platform allows checking planned flights and receiving QR codes for government interaction.

Several foreign companies reported plans to set up drone production in Uzbekistan, including Malaysian Meraque and Aerodyne Group, and Russian Transport Budushchego. In 2025, Sahro Drone Industry produced drones and presented them to King Abdullah II of Jordan.

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