Kyrgyzstan Expands Security Cooperation with the U.S.

Alongside U.S. business leaders and government officials who arrived in Bishkek for the B5+1 business forum, security representatives from U.S. Central Command, the U.S. Air Force, and the Montana National Guard also visited the Kyrgyz capital, according to the U.S. Embassy in Bishkek. At a meeting held at the Kyrgyz Ministry of Defense in the village of Koy-Tash, both sides discussed military cooperation plans for the 2027 fiscal year. Participants carried out detailed planning of joint activities, focusing on experience-sharing and establishing common objectives for the near future. “We thank the Ministry of Defense of the Kyrgyz Republic for organizing this event. The participants joined forces to promote our regional goals aimed at enhancing security and stability,” the U.S. Embassy stated. U.S. Chargé d'Affaires Les Zentos emphasized that over the past 30 years of Kyrgyzstan's independence, a strong partnership has developed between the Montana National Guard and the Kyrgyz Ministry of Defense, as well as with the Ministry of Emergency Situations and the Border Service. This relationship, he noted, is based on trust and a commitment to shared goals. [caption id="attachment_43371" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Image: kg.usembassy.gov[/caption] “We hope to improve and optimize plans for military contacts in 2026 and 2027. Today's meeting is important for strengthening mutual understanding and finding common ground,” Zentos said. This is not the first visit by representatives of the Montana National Guard and the U.S. Air Force to Kyrgyzstan. Approximately six months ago, the two sides held joint military exercises under the name “Ak-Shumkar-2025.” According to U.S. officials, the drills facilitated exchanges of expertise in humanitarian operations, disaster relief, air medical evacuation, search and rescue, and border security. The Montana National Guard has maintained a long-standing relationship with Kyrgyzstan since 1996, under the U.S. National Guard Bureau’s State Partnership Program. The U.S. Embassy also noted that bilateral military cooperation extends beyond this program. It includes participation in regional exercises organized by U.S. Central Command, which bring together countries from Central and South Asia to pursue shared security objectives.

Uzbekistan to Receive Advanced ANKA Drones from Turkish Defense Company TUSAŞ

Uzbekistan will soon receive ANKA drones from Turkish defense company TUSAŞ, according to the SavunmaSanayiST portal. Deliveries are expected to begin in the coming days, though Uzbekistan has not disclosed details regarding the number of drones, their cost, or the terms of the agreement. Originally developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) for the Turkish Armed Forces in the early 2000s, ANKA drones were initially designed for surveillance and reconnaissance. Over time, they have been upgraded with advanced radar systems, precision weaponry, and satellite communication capabilities. The first model, Anka-A, was introduced in 2010, with the Turkish Air Force signing its first contract for the drones in 2013. Subsequent improvements have equipped the drones with a national mission computer, an advanced flight control system, synthetic aperture radar, and a friend-or-foe identification system. TAI currently offers the Anka-B and Anka-S models, while the Anka-I variant was specifically developed for Turkey’s National Intelligence Organization for signals intelligence. As of March 2021, ANKA drones had accumulated over 90,000 flight hours. Uzbekistan has been steadily modernizing its defense forces. Last year, U.S. News ranked Uzbekistan 19th globally in military strength, the highest ranking among Central Asian countries. The acquisition of ANKA drones is expected to further enhance Uzbekistan’s surveillance and defense capabilities, reinforcing its position as a regional military power.