Uzbekistan Deploys Turkish Bayraktar Drones to Guard State Borders

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan has begun using Turkish-made Bayraktar strike and reconnaissance drones to secure its state borders, the Chairman of the State Security Service, Bahadir Kurbanov, reported at an expanded meeting of the Security Council under the President.

The Security Council session took place on 13 January 2026 with the participation of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Speaking at the meeting, Kurbanov noted that a newly established special unit equipped with Bayraktar drones has been placed on combat duty along the country’s frontiers.

According to published video materials, the drones in use are Bayraktar TB2 models. These are medium-altitude, long-endurance tactical strike UAVs powered by an internal combustion engine and a pusher propeller. Each drone can carry up to four guided munitions and remain airborne for 12 to 24 hours, enabling extended patrols.

The Bayraktar TB2 has a maximum control range of 150 kilometers, allowing for continuous airborne monitoring and rapid strikes on identified targets. With short reaction times, the drones are more operationally effective than manned aircraft, particularly when engaging targets accessible only during limited time windows.

The Bayraktar TB2 is developed and manufactured by the private Turkish company Baykar Makina.

It is worth noting that in November 2023, the President was shown the Bayraktar TB2 at a military base in Surkhandarya.