Central Asian countries should develop domestic drone industries and expand regional cooperation to reduce their dependence on foreign suppliers, according to an analysis published by The Diplomat.

The article says countries including Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have increasingly turned to foreign-made drones, particularly from Turkey and Iran, for security needs. However, reliance on imported systems creates long-term dependencies on spare parts, maintenance, ammunition and technical support.

The analysis argues that Central Asian states have an opportunity to develop relatively low-cost drone technologies for military and civilian uses, including border surveillance, combating smuggling, monitoring water resources and securing major events.

The Diplomat says joint investment in research, education, training and drone production could strengthen regional security while reducing Central Asia’s dependence on major foreign powers.

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