On February 21, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan and Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, chaired a meeting on strengthening national military security and defense capabilities.

The meeting was attended by members of the Security Council, heads of ministries and agencies within Uzbekistan’s Armed Forces, military district commanders, as well as, via videoconference, the Chairpersons of the Jokargy Kenes and the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, regional and Tashkent city hokims, and other responsible local government officials. 

At the beginning of the meeting, the measures taken to enhance the country’s defense capabilities and their outcomes were reviewed. Certain shortcomings in the implementation of these efforts were also identified.

It was noted that the national army is equipped with modern weaponry and technology, and military personnel’s level of combat and psychological training has significantly improved. 

Based on global experience and conducted analyses, new combat units have been formed to prevent and neutralize internal and external threats. At the same time, the organizational structure of the armed forces has been optimized. 

Emphasis was placed on the ongoing development of a new system for army modernization and advanced equipment. The defense industry continues to grow, with additional enterprises being established. Uzbekistan’s Armed Forces have established bilateral military cooperation with more than 20 countries and have successfully participated in over 400 joint exercises.

The infrastructure of higher military academies within the Armed Forces has been fully modernized, with training programs and methodologies updated to meet contemporary standards. 

The social and legal protection of military personnel and their families has been strengthened. In particular, nearly 30,000 families have been provided with housing, and more than 2,000 children of military personnel have received benefits for admission to higher education institutions. 

Military-administrative sectors, along with state and public organizations, are actively involved in creating favorable conditions for the defenders of the homeland. Increasing attention is being given to fostering patriotism among young people and enhancing pre-conscription military training in schools.

Priority tasks for 2025 and the following years were identified at the meeting. 

It was emphasized that when planning the further development of the army, it is essential to consider modern armed conflicts, existing national security threats, and the specific characteristics of the theater of military operations. 

It was noted that artificial intelligence, robotic systems, missiles, drones, and counter-drone technologies are widely used in contemporary regional conflicts. In this regard, orders were given to establish new military units specializing in drone warfare, robotic equipment, air defense, and cyber structures utilizing artificial intelligence technologies.

The Supreme Commander-in-Chief emphasized the need to improve the army’s combat readiness, enhance military training levels, and create a unified automated command and control system based on artificial intelligence technologies for the armed forces. Additionally, the implementation of dual education in military training and personnel preparation was highlighted. 

Priority tasks were set for improving the activities of the Corps of Chief Sergeants, which serves as a pillar of the army, further developing the defense industry, providing social support for military personnel and their families, fostering patriotism among young people, and engaging them in military sports. 

At the meeting, reports and proposals from the Minister of Defense, military district commanders, and other responsible officials were reviewed.

UzA