Uzbekistan plans to liberalize the use of civilian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) as part of its 2026 state program, as per to presidential decree UP-22. The initiative aims to facilitate the import, manufacture, and operation of drones by legal entities to support economic development through modern technologies.
The decree implementing the program is to be drafted by June by the Ministries of Defense, Transport, and Digital Technologies in coordination with the Agency for Strategic Development and Reforms. It will establish procedures for the safe operation of UAVs, including the classification of Uzbekistan’s airspace into “green,” “yellow,” and “red” zones based on safety and operational restrictions.
The program also mandates the creation of an automated digital infrastructure to monitor drone flights. It sets out training requirements for UAV operators and procedures for issuing drone pilot licenses to ensure regulatory compliance.
In addition, the decree will define a regulatory framework governing the import, production, operation, and provision of drone-based services. All activities in the UAV sector will be subject to licensing and certification to maintain safety, accountability, and adherence to established standards.
Uzbekistan’s drone sector remains tightly regulated for individuals, with imports banned since 2015 and penalties reduced in 2024 to fines and confiscation instead of imprisonment. Legal entities can import and operate drones with special permits, primarily in agriculture and tourism, while the government is developing regulatory frameworks and digital monitoring systems, such as the ATM Safe Sky platform, to ensure safe operations and support industry growth.
