Kazakhstan Poised to Become Central Asia’s Drone Hub, Official Says
Kazakhstan Aims to Become Drone Hub in Central Asia Through Partnership with South Korea
Astana – Vice Minister of Industry and Construction Azamat Beispekov expressed the potential for Kazakhstan to elevate its status as a drone hub in Central Asia through a reciprocal partnership with South Korea in drone production. In an interview with The Korea Herald on May 9, Beispekov emphasized the importance of cooperation with South Korea in the field of drones, highlighting the technology’s role in shaping Kazakhstan’s future in oil and gas, agriculture, and road safety.
Beispekov cited South Korea’s advanced capabilities in drone manufacturing as a key factor driving Kazakhstan’s strategic choice, expressing the intention to go beyond mere procurement and reach a mutual exchange of knowledge and skills between the two nations. Kazakhstan’s vast territory presents opportunities for drone utilization across various sectors, including forestry, agriculture, energy, rescue, mapping, and defense. The vice minister highlighted the strong trade relations between the countries, making Kazakhstan an appealing market for Korean drone technology.
The Kazakh Ministry of Industry and Construction plans to deploy advanced drone solutions, focusing on operator training and regulatory measures for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) usage. Beispekov reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s commitment to using drones only for peaceful purposes, not for military applications.
Highlighting Kazakhstan’s achievements in drone manufacturing, Beispekov mentioned testing drones designed for firefighting and emergency response at Kazakhstan’s Petropavlovsk Heavy Machine Building Plant. He also revealed ongoing efforts to establish a drone academy in Kazakhstan through collaboration with Korean universities, aiming to enhance global cooperation in drone education and regulation.
Beispekov visited South Korea to attend the Korea Drone Expo 2024, following the 2024 Kazakhstan-Korea Drone Roadshow held in Astana. These events focused on UAV production and establishing the Kazakhstan-Korea Drone Competence Development Academy, showcasing the commitment of both nations to advancing drone technology in a responsible and ethical manner.
