Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan has started deploying unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) to prevent and investigate offenses, the deputy head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ Crime Prevention Service, Rahimjon Naimov, told Gazeta on 27 August.

According to Naimov, the first region to implement drones within law enforcement was Bukhara. The decision followed President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s visit to the region in 2024. Following the presidential directive, the regional administration purchased 150 drones.

“Currently, measures are being taken to equip personnel from 84 law enforcement units across five regions with drones. These devices were procured by the ministry, and additional purchases are under consideration,” Naimov said.

He added that by the end of 2026, all district and city units will be fully equipped with drones.

Drones are primarily used to monitor areas with complex criminal situations, as well as to detect minor hooliganism, environmental violations, and drug-related offenses.

“A drone allows us to observe from the air, and officers can respond promptly to address the situations detected. The use of this technology has significantly improved the efficiency of both prevention and investigation of offenses,” the MIA representative emphasized.

He also noted that the MIA has a training program for senior crime prevention inspectors to operate drones.

“Not all staff can operate drones. Inspectors undergo step-by-step training, and only after obtaining certification are they authorized to work with the devices. Currently, specialists have been trained in Bukhara and Fergana regions,” he explained.

In 2024, reports noted the introduction of drones into the operations of traffic safety units.