On January 13, a meeting of Uzbekistan’s Security Council chaired by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev discussed priority tasks for ensuring the country’s security and further strengthening its defense capabilities.
The President pointed to the need to revise the country’s Defense Doctrine adopted eight years ago.
He said that the new Defense Doctrine should ensure that the country maintains its status of non-participation in any military bloc, continues to rely on multilateral diplomacy, and develops in the direction of a strategy based on high technology, military independence, and regional stability.
“The new doctrine should serve as the basis for the technological modernization of the army and the introduction of advanced military solutions,” said the President, adding that the Uzbek army must always be mobile, high-tech, adapted to new combat conditions, and ready to defend the people.
Special attention should be paid to equipping the troops with robotic complexes and AI-based unmanned systems, light military equipment, modern weapons, and reconnaissance means.
Among the priority tasks, the President noted the further development of the defense industry and the introduction of digital technologies and AI at defense industry enterprises.
It was noted that compulsory military service should be organized not only as physical and military training, but also as a stage of preparing young people for the labor market and independent professions, so that they can take a firm place in society.
In particular, a completely new system will be created in the army, providing for young people to master at least one profession upon completion of their service.
During their term of service, military personnel will be given the opportunity to take entrance exams for admission to higher education institutions directly at their military units. Military personnel who successfully pass the tests and are enrolled as students will begin their studies at the university after completing their term of service.
“Compulsory military service should become a path to success for young people,” emphasized the President.
