President and Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Shavkat Mirziyoyev chaired the expanded meeting of the Security Council dedicated to strengthening Uzbekistan’s military security and defense Tuesday, the presidential press service said.

The meeting was attended by members of the Security Council, the Cabinet of Ministers, heads of ministries and agencies within the Armed Forces, commanders of military districts, and heads of military-administrative sectors.

At the meeting, Shavkat Mirziyoyev said that the Uzbek army was currently being equipped with modern weapons and equipment. The Ministry of Defense has implemented new tactical techniques, increased the number and intensity of exercises by 1.5 times, and established unmanned aerial vehicle units and specialist training centers.

He outlined the goals aimed at ensure the country's security and strengthen its defense capabilities, underscoring that various regional conflicts were spreading, the arms race was gaining momentum, and respect for universal values, international law, and international diplomacy was waning.

One thing must be understood: the nature of modern warfare has fundamentally changed. Anyone who thinks they can win by relying solely on the number of tanks, aircraft, or soldiers is gravely mistaken. Today's combat operations are conducted using artificial intelligence, digital control, long-range precision strikes, cyber and robotic technologies, as well as political and economic pressure, he added.

"We must not forget for a moment: peace and tranquility are becoming the most valuable wealth. To preserve this wealth, it is necessary for every sector and industry to switch to a proactive mode of operation, that is, to respond proactively to potential risks and threats.”

He outlined the objectives for the future. “The primary focus will be on improving the military training system.”

"We must not forget that modernizing the military education and training system is the fundamental condition for shaping the new image of the army".

“Conscript military service should be organized not only as physical and military training, but also as a stage in preparing young people for the labor market and independent professions.”

“Specifically, a fundamentally new system will be created in the army: by the end of their service, young people will be able to master at least one profession. Three- to six-month professional training programs for military personnel will be developed based on the main areas and specialties of military units. Upon completion of the program, service members will take a qualification exam, after which they will be awarded a professional certificate.”

“Each year, 5,000 conscripts will be selected to undergo training under the One Million Coders and Five Million AI Prompters programs.”

“During their conscript service, service members will be given the opportunity to take entrance exams for admission to universities directly at their military units. Military personnel who successfully pass the tests and are accepted as students will begin their studies at a university after completing their military service.”

“Furthermore, young people returning from the army and wishing to study at higher education institutions will receive reimbursement for the costs of obtaining certificates in foreign languages ​​and relevant subjects. Those enrolled on a contract basis will be provided with an interest-free student loan.”

“Furthermore, specific employment benefits for young people returning from the army are provided. Specifically, for young people wishing to engage in entrepreneurship, 6% of loan costs will be covered by the state. A 10% discount on test scores administered by the Agency for Management Efficiency will be implemented for young people seeking employment in government organizations. Young people planning to work in the private sector will receive reimbursement for the costs of acquiring a profession and obtaining a certificate.”

"In short, completing military service should become a path to success for young people. It is important to train highly skilled specialists in engineering, cybersecurity, and countering information attacks. We need to strengthen the military-scientific base of engineering and technology and establish military technology parks.”

“Reading is important for military personnel. A reading competition for the Supreme Commander-in-Chief Prize will be held within the Armed Forces among students of military schools and lyceums, conscripts, cadets, sergeants, and officers. Conscripts who win prizes in these competitions will have their military service terms reduced by one month.”

“Every year, military personnel compete in more than 10 traditional sports, including kurash, hand-to-hand combat, weightlifting, and others. Starting this year, three-stage competitions will also be held in modern sports - e-sports, drones, and robotics.”

"Constantly analyzing the regional and global situation and strengthening the national army's potential are today's demands. The Uzbek army must always be mobile, high-tech, adapted to new combat conditions, and ready to defend the people".

“We have to equip the troops with robotic systems and unmanned systems powered by AI, light military equipment, modern weapons, and reconnaissance assets.”

“Among the priorities, the president highlighted the development of the defense industry and the implementation of digital technologies and AI at defense industry enterprises. In this regard, responsible officials have been given directives to prepare a set of steps to protect personal data and digital systems.”

The meeting heard reports and proposals from the Minister of Defense, commanders of military districts, and other responsible officials.