A new special unit equipped with Bayraktar unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has been deployed at the Uzbekistan border. This was reported by the Chairman of the State Security Service (SSS) Bahodir Kurbonov on January 13 at an expanded meeting of the Security Council chaired by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, as reported by "Fergana".
“A new unit with Bayraktar drones has been put on combat duty,” Kurbonov noted.
In addition, he spoke about significant modernization of the state border protection system. Currently, 42% of the border is equipped with video surveillance, and 1,117 kilometers of fiber-optic communication lines have been laid. Border units have also received modern drones.
According to SSS information, the border troops are equipped with armored vehicles at 98%, watercraft at 88%, and 100% with weapons and ammunition. Electronic-optical means are provided at 78%. The volume and quality of combat training have also increased.
The SSS is now responsible for the security of international airports. The "Lochin" brigade has been reorganized and has quickly updated its armament, replacing nearly 100 units of equipment. A new security system has been introduced at the "Tashkent" and "Tashkent-Humo" (formerly "Tashkent-Vostochniy") airports based on control-patrol groups. In 2026, similar measures will be implemented at all airports in the country.
Kurbonov also highlighted key threats to the country's security. According to him, Uzbekistan faces four main dangers: terrorist acts, cross-border threats, drug trafficking, and corruption.
In 2025, 11 terrorist acts planned both within the country and outside were prevented. Eleven individuals from Central Asia associated with destructive activities were arrested.
Thanks to measures to strengthen the border, the number of violations has decreased by 1.5 times, while the volume of seized goods has increased by 20%.
The drug problem continues to escalate. In 2024, 1,700 kilograms of drugs were seized, and in 2025 this figure rose to 3,600 kilograms. The number of arrests increased from 2,600 to 4,500, and the number of closed underground drug laboratories rose from 8 to 15.
The issue of synthetic drug use among youth persists. In 2025, more than 180 kilograms of such substances and over 1 million psychotropic drugs were seized.
According to SSS data, cases of abuse of office, bribery, and other corruption crimes continue in government institutions. In 2025, 1,083 employees involved in corruption were dismissed from the system, and 661 individuals were brought to criminal responsibility.
- The Bayraktar TB2 drone is a Turkish strike tactical UAV capable of carrying up to four guided munitions and staying in the air for 12 to 24 hours. Its maximum control range is 150 kilometers, allowing for continuous patrolling and strikes on identified targets.
