Kazakhstan to Test Drone Delivery Services in Almaty

A pilot project to introduce drone-based goods delivery is set to begin in Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city.

The initiative follows the signing of a memorandum of cooperation between the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of Kazakhstan and the private company Freedom Lifestyle, The Caspian Post report, citing The Times of Central Asia.

According to the ministry, the agreement предусматривает joint testing of drone delivery services in urban environments, with a strong focus on safety, compliance with aviation regulations, and convenience for residents. Freedom Lifestyle will fully finance and implement the project, integrating unmanned delivery solutions into its existing digital platforms. Since early 2025, the company has been assembling a team of drone operators and testing relevant technologies at its Freedom X research and development laboratory.

The ministry’s role will include developing the necessary regulatory framework, ensuring aviation safety standards, and supporting the integration of drone technology into Almaty’s urban infrastructure. Gizzat Baitursynov, Chairman of the Committee on Digital Assets and Breakthrough Technologies, said the pilot phase will allow the system to be tested under real-world conditions and will help shape long-term regulatory solutions for drone delivery in Kazakhstan.

The pilot will involve drone delivery of food, daily necessities, and medicines. Each drone will be capable of carrying up to 10 kilograms over a 3-kilometer radius between locations in the upper and central parts of the city. Flights are scheduled to take place during daylight hours and in favorable weather.

To minimize risks, drones will operate primarily over green zones and along designated street corridors. Each vehicle is equipped with safety systems, including parachutes and autonomous control in case of communication loss. As the system’s safety and efficiency are validated, the number of drones and service coverage will be expanded, including potential rollouts in rural areas.