President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on Nov. 4 reviewed proposals to expand civilian use of drones in Uzbekistan and update the rules governing them, though no timeline for the changes has been announced.
According to the presentation, drones can be used in agriculture to monitor crops, treat farmland and estimate yields. Proposed industrial uses include monitoring production and infrastructure, while cities could use them to track traffic flows and manage road traffic.
The presentation said the global drone market is growing 10-15% a year. Wider use of drones in Uzbekistan is expected to cut production costs, improve resource efficiency and create jobs.
Proposed regulatory changes include a unified digital information system for drones, clearly defined flight zones, improved registration and flight coordination, rules on insurance and compensation for damage, and safeguards for flight safety and privacy.
The president instructed that proposals be prepared to amend legislation in line with foreign experience, expand drone use in the economy and support domestic production. Transport University plans to begin training drone specialists from the new academic year.
The rule changes have no set timeline, and the list of permitted flight zones and conditions for private drone use have not been named.
Restrictions on importing, selling and using drones have been in force since 2015. Under a November 2022 government resolution, companies need a separate Cabinet of Ministers permit, followed by registration and flight approval. Certain state organizations are exempt.
A law signed in March 2024 replaced criminal punishment for a first offense with a fine of 10-20 basic calculation units and confiscation of the device. Repeat offenses can bring up to three years in prison.
In February 2026, a state program proposed “green,” “yellow” and “red” airspace zones, digital flight monitoring and operator training requirements.
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