Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 21 February, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev visited the Center for Innovative Technologies under the Defense Industry Agency to review the production of military and dual-use products.

The development of the defense industry is of strategic importance for strengthening the country’s defense capabilities alongside the professional training of military personnel. Under the President’s initiative, Uzbekistan has established a modern defense industry, with the agency under the Ministry of Defense systematically working on modernizing weaponry, implementing new technologies, and advancing cutting-edge developments.

The Center for Innovative Technologies currently produces around 80 types of military equipment and dual-use products, with a strong focus on startups in robotics and unmanned aerial vehicles. During the visit, the President was presented with the latest military equipment, promising projects, and plans for the sector’s future development.

President Mirziyoyev emphasized that these are just the initial steps in developing the industry and outlined tasks for expanding production capacities, mastering new product lines, and integrating innovative technologies, including artificial intelligence. Special attention was given to attracting private sector participation through contractual partnerships, diversifying military and dual-use products, creating new jobs, training specialists, and establishing laboratories for developing advanced equipment.

Uzbekistan’s defense enterprises actively participate in international specialized exhibitions. At IDEX-2025 in Abu Dhabi (UAE), held from 17 to 21 February, more than 100 units of domestically produced military equipment were showcased. Notable exhibits included the Arslon 8×8 and Arslon 6×6 armored personnel carriers, as well as the Tufon self-propelled howitzer, which garnered significant interest from foreign partners.

Following the visit, the President outlined strategic directions for the development of the defense industry, instructing officials to ensure high-quality production, expand manufacturing capabilities, and strengthen the global presence of Uzbekistan’s defense sector.