Drones - The Times Of Central Asia

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Aral Sea

Kazakhstan to Use Innovative Drone Technology for Aral Seabed Reforestation

On October 29, a new initiative titled “Improving the Ecosystem of the Aral Seabed” was launched by Korkyt Ata Kyzylorda University, the University of California, Berkeley, the Kazakh Directorate of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS), and the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation. The project seeks to rehabilitate the dried Aral Sea bed using innovative E-seed technology developed by scientists at UC Berkeley. The method involves aerial seeding with drones that distribute self-burying seeds encased in biodegradable material, an approach designed to accelerate greening, increase plant survival rates, and reduce labor costs. Once the world’s fourth-largest inland sea, the Aral Sea covered 68,000 square kilometers across Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Beginning in the 1960s, large-scale irrigation projects diverted water from the Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers to support cotton farming. By 2007, the sea had shrunk to just 10% of its original size. Today, the Aral Sea is a symbol of one of the world's most severe environmental disasters. Salt-laden dust from the exposed seabed, estimated in the tens of billions of tons, is carried by wind as far as the Arctic and the Himalayas. This toxic dust, infused with pesticides and heavy metals, contaminates soil, water, and air, threatening regional public health and food security. “The Aral Sea is a wound on the planet that cannot be ignored. We are launching a project that will create a barrier against salt and toxic dust, improve human health, and contribute to the future of the entire Earth,” said Ainur Karbozova, Director of the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation. “The uniqueness of this technology is that it can be applied worldwide from restoring burned-out forests to transforming deserts into green oases.” A test planting on a one-hectare site is planned for March-April 2026. In 2027, the second phase will expand the pilot to 50 hectares. “The use of the innovative E-seed technology will strengthen the soil structure, reduce dust and salt emissions, and ultimately increase the region's biodiversity,” said Rakhat Kurmanbayev, Associate Professor at Korkyt Ata Kyzylorda University. “By 2040, we plan to stabilize the ecosystem over at least 50 square kilometers. The project will reduce air temperatures by 1-2°C and improve the microclimate.” The initiative aligns with broader environmental goals outlined under Kazakhstan’s 2024-2026 chairmanship of IFAS, during which large-scale afforestation efforts aim to green more than 1 million hectares of the Aral seabed. The Times of Central Asia previously reported the construction of a saxaul nursery in the Kyzylorda region. Located directly on the former seabed, the facility is expected to produce 1.5 million drought-resistant saxaul saplings per year. According to the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, Kazakhstan plans to afforest 1.1 million hectares of the dried seabed with saxaul. Between 2021 and 2024, 475,000 hectares were afforested, including 127,000 in 2024 alone. An additional 428,000 hectares are scheduled for planting in 2025. By the end of 2025, Kazakhstan expects saxaul to cover approximately 40% of its portion of the dried Aral seabed.

Drones

Explosion of Unknown Drone Reported in Western Kazakhstan

Debris believed to be from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) has been discovered in the Burlin district of West Kazakhstan region. Preliminary information indicates that the explosion occurred early in the morning near the village of Kyzyltal. According to Uralskaya Nedelya, representatives from the district akimat (local government), emergency services, and local police are currently investigating the scene. The military prosecutor’s office has also been dispatched and has opened a criminal case. “This morning, a drone of unknown origin exploded near Kyzyltal village in the Burlin district. The roofs of houses in the village were nearly blown off,” eyewitnesses told local media. The incident coincides with an air threat alert declared in Russia’s neighboring Orenburg region, where authorities reported a potential UAV incursion. The “Kover” plan, a protocol enacted during airspace threats, was implemented at the airports in Orenburg and Orsk. Police in West Kazakhstan confirmed the incident and stated that a full investigation is underway. “The police department, in cooperation with authorized agencies, is conducting an investigation into the discovery of what appears to be UAV debris in the Burlin district. All circumstances are being reviewed,” the department’s press service said. Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Defense also responded, noting that no casualties or material damage had been reported. “In cooperation with relevant state bodies, verification efforts are underway to determine the circumstances and origin of the object. The Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Kazakhstan has implemented additional measures to enhance airspace control and prevent unauthorized aerial border crossings. Consultations are ongoing with foreign partners who may potentially be linked to the UAV,” the ministry said in a statement. This incident follows a similar discovery on June 19, when suspected UAV fragments were found in the Karakiyan district of the Mangistau region, near the Bolashak border station. As The Times of Central Asia previously reported, in March 2025 there were three drone-related events in West Kazakhstan in one month, raising concerns about airspace security near the country's border with Russia.

Agriculture

East Kazakhstan Researchers Use AI and Drones to Boost Soil and Crop Management

Researchers at Sarsen Amanzholov University in Ust-Kamenogorsk, East Kazakhstan, have developed a digital system that integrates drone imagery with artificial intelligence (AI) to assess soil quality and crop health with high precision. The system enables farmers to monitor soil and plant conditions in ways previously inaccessible. Drones equipped with multispectral cameras capture images across five spectral bands: red, blue, green, near-infrared, and mid-infrared. “This approach makes it possible to ‘see’ what is invisible to the human eye, soil moisture levels, chlorophyll content, early signs of plant disease, or land degradation,” said Almasbek Maulit, a researcher at Sarsen Amanzholov University. “AI algorithms analyze the images, differentiate between crops and weeds, identify patterns of spread, and even generate automatic maps of infected areas. This enables farmers to take targeted action from local treatment of problem zones to adjusting crop rotation or cultivation methods.” The system offers several key benefits: Optimized use of fertilizers and plant protection products, reducing costs Early detection of problems, minimizing crop losses Improved profitability through better sowing and crop management strategies Reliable land quality assessments for investors and state authorities The project is part of Kazakhstan’s broader strategy to integrate high-tech solutions into agriculture, a sector that remains a cornerstone of the national economy. Earlier this year, The Times of Central Asia reported that engineers in Karaganda unveiled prototypes of drones designed for public safety applications. By merging AI with drone-based imaging, scientists in East Kazakhstan are helping to position the country’s agribusiness sector for smarter, more sustainable practices and long-term growth.

Drones

Karaganda Engineers Unveil Safety-Enhancing Drone Prototypes

The Karaganda-based research and production association Perspektiva has unveiled three prototypes of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) designed to enhance public safety across Kazakhstan. The drones are intended for a range of uses, including recording traffic violations, locating missing persons, and detecting fires. The company is currently assessing the feasibility of launching mass production. The initiative is part of Kazakhstan’s broader effort to develop high-tech industries with a high degree of domestic localization. Among the newly developed UAVs are the Vista-7, a long-range drone; the compact Chimera-5, which is suitable for indoor use and operation in hard-to-reach areas; and the versatile Apex-7, designed for street patrols, mass event monitoring, and fire safety surveillance. According to Maxim Kim, project manager at NPO Perspektiva, the drones integrate foreign electronic components with locally manufactured frames, which are low-cost and easily replaceable. “Even if the body is damaged, it can be printed in 20 minutes and the existing electronics can continue to be used,” he explained. Imported drones currently cost upwards of 12 million KZT (approximately $22,000), and their frames are often irreparable. By contrast, local production is expected to significantly reduce costs, making drones more accessible to both government agencies and private enterprises. Kim added that UAVs could serve as a cost-effective alternative to fixed surveillance cameras on highways and could also be deployed to monitor infrastructure such as oil pipelines. Perspektiva previously developed the Argus-Pedestrian automated system, which captures violations at pedestrian crossings in Karaganda. According to developers, no pedestrian accidents have occurred in areas where the system has been installed. There are plans to expand the program to other cities across the country. As The Times of Central Asia previously reported, members of Kazakhstan’s parliament have proposed introducing a mandatory remote identification system for drones weighing 250 grams or more, a regulatory step aimed at ensuring greater transparency and accountability in UAV operations.

Drones

Kazakh Lawmakers Propose Remote ID System for Drones

Yelnur Beisenbayev, a deputy of the Mazhilis, the lower house of Kazakhstan’s parliament, has submitted a formal inquiry to Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov and Defense Minister Dauren Kasanov, proposing the introduction of a mandatory Remote ID system for drones weighing 250 grams or more. Beisenbayev noted that while drones of this weight class, especially those equipped with cameras or sensors, are already subject to mandatory registration in Kazakhstan, enforcement remains weak. Drones weighing up to 15 kilograms can still be purchased freely and used without registration, posing a potential threat to public safety. “This sector, which plays a key role in technological development, must be regulated carefully to prevent its misuse for criminal purposes,” Beisenbayev stated. He illustrated the potential danger with a hypothetical scenario: a toy drone flying above a mass event such as a concert or football match. “In such situations, evacuation of thousands of spectators would be impossible, and the consequences could be catastrophic,” he warned. He urged the government to tighten both administrative and criminal liability for the unauthorized assembly and use of drones. Drawing on international examples, Beisenbayev highlighted the United States, where every drone weighing 250 grams or more is required to have a “digital passport” that includes its serial number, coordinates, and the operator’s data. Similar regulations exist in the European Union, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Canada, where drones must carry unique digital markings and flight recorders (“black boxes”). He proposed that Kazakhstan adopt similar measures, including licensing for drone manufacturers, mandatory digital marking of key drone components, and stricter penalties for violations, especially at mass events. Currently, the Aviation Administration of Kazakhstan oversees the registration of unmanned aircraft systems. UAVs with a maximum take-off weight of 250 grams or more, or any drone capable of collecting personal or confidential data, must be registered. Drones with a take-off weight of 750 kilograms or more require state registration. The proposal comes amid recent drone-related incidents near Kazakhstan’s border with Russia. Several UAV crashes have occurred in the West Kazakhstan region, with the Ministry of Defense later confirming the aircraft may have been launched from a Russian test site. As The Times of Central Asia previously reported, in mid-June, debris suspected to be from a drone was also discovered in the Karakiyan district of the Mangistau region.

Drones

Mysterious Drones on Kazakhstan’s Border with Russia: Third Drone Found in a Month

A third unidentified drone has been discovered in Kazakhstan’s West Kazakhstan region near the Russian border, heightening security concerns and prompting official investigations. Law enforcement and relevant agencies are currently inspecting the latest find. New Fragments in Zhanibek District The most recent wreckage, believed to be part of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), was found in Zhanibek district. According to a statement from the West Kazakhstan Region Police Department, the debris was located in a remote, uninhabited area. “The West Kazakhstan Region Police Department, together with authorized services, is conducting verification activities regarding the discovery of objects resembling fragments of an unmanned aerial vehicle,” the department stated. Authorities are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the drone's origin and potential flight path. Third Case in a Month This is the third such incident in the region within the span of a month. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, on March 18, residents of Atameken village, approximately 60 kilometers north of Taskala, reported the crash of a drone approximately three meters in length. A similar incident occurred on February 18 in the village of Uyaly, Bokeyordinsky district, where authorities recovered an unidentified flying object measuring 120 centimeters in length. In both previous cases, police and emergency services responded to secure and analyze the sites. Assumptions and Unofficial Theories While there has been no official identification of the drones, some regional media outlets suggest a possible match between one of the recovered UAVs and the French-made "Crecerelle" reconnaissance drone, produced by Sagem. The lack of confirmation has done little to quell speculation, particularly amid rising concerns about the drones’ potential connection to the war in Ukraine. In Russia's neighboring Saratov region, Ukrainian UAVs have repeatedly targeted strategic infrastructure, including airfields and fuel depots. This geographic proximity raises questions about whether Kazakhstan is inadvertently becoming a transit zone, or even a crash zone, for drones involved in that conflict. Local officials and residents alike are increasingly uneasy about the repeated discoveries. Investigations remain ongoing, with experts aiming to identify the drones’ origins and assess any security risks. Law enforcement agencies have refrained from commenting on possible links between the drone crashes and the military conflict in Ukraine until further evidence is gathered.