Uzbekistan Launches Special Border Unit with Bayraktar Drones

Uzbekistan has established a new special border unit equipped with Bayraktar drones.

The unit has already started active duty as part of a large-scale modernization of the country’s border security system, The Caspian Post reports via Tajik media.

Currently, 42 per cent of the border is under video surveillance, 1,117 kilometers of fiber-optic communication lines have been laid, and border units have been supplied with modern drones.

Head of the State Security Service Bakhodir Kurbonov, border troops are 98 per cent equipped with armored vehicles, 88 per cent with watercraft, 100 per cent with weapons and ammunition, and 78 per cent with electro-optical systems. Combat training for personnel has also been significantly enhanced.

The State Security Service has also taken responsibility for guarding Uzbekistan’s international airports. The “Lochin” brigade has been reorganized with fully upgraded armaments and around 100 pieces of new equipment. A new patrol-and-inspection security system has been introduced at Tashkent airports, with plans to expand it nationwide in 2026.

Kurbonov highlighted four main national security threats: terrorism, cross-border challenges, drug trafficking, and corruption. In 2025, authorities prevented 11 terrorist attacks and stopped the activities of 11 radicalized individuals from Central Asia.

Strengthened border protection has halved border violations and increased seized goods by 20 per cent. However, the drug situation has worsened: narcotics confiscations doubled from 1,700 kg in 2024 to 3,600 kg in 2025. More than 180 kg of synthetic drugs and over one million psychotropic pills were seized, highlighting rising concerns among youth.

Anti-corruption measures are also ongoing: in 2025, 1,083 state employees were dismissed for corruption and other crimes, and 661 individuals were prosecuted.

Uzbekistan’s new border unit and nationwide security modernization aim to strengthen national safety, curb illicit trafficking, and protect the country from evolving threats.