The Uzbek government has published images of new military drones put on display for President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s recent visit to the Surxondaryo region.
On November 16, President Mirziyoyev toured a military unit in the region operating new drones recently purchased for the military. Images published on the presidency website showed what appeared to be a Chinese-made Wing Loong, as well as four Turkish Bayraktar TB2s. All were seen armed with air-to-surface missiles.
Eight Orlan-10 drones were shown off, evidently purchased from Russia.
An Uzbek-designed Lochin reconnaissance drone was present at the facility, as well.
In a statement, the presidency website said, “The President was informed about the work on increasing the potential and strengthening the material and technical base of the Armed Forces, the readiness of personnel, the management and maintenance of modern weapon complexes and unmanned aerial vehicles.”
It is not known when Uzbekistan placed orders for the Chinese and Turkish drones. Neighbor Kazakhstan already operates the Wing Loong, while TB2s have recently emerged in Kyrgyz and Turkmen service, as well.
Military markets analyst, covering Eurasia, Middle East, and Africa.
