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Drones Kazakh deputy remote ID system

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.

Russian border West Kazakhstan Drones Russia

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.

West Kazakhstan incident Drones

Another Drone Crashes in West Kazakhstan

Another drone has crashed in Kazakhstan’s West Kazakhstan region. Local residents discovered the object near the village of Atameken, approximately 60 km north of the district center of Taskala. On March 18, the police department in Taskala District received a report about an unidentified object, believed to be a drone, found in a remote area. The device measured approximately three meters in length. Police officers, representatives of the district akimat (council), and emergency services were dispatched to the scene. The West Kazakhstan Region Police Department confirmed the discovery of an object resembling an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). “The object fell in a remote area, away from populated settlements, and was found intact, with no visible damage. All circumstances surrounding the incident are being investigated,” the agency stated. This marks the second case of a drone crash in the region within a month. On February 18, a similar object, measuring 120 cm in length, was discovered in the village of Uyaly in Bokeyorda District. At that time, police and emergency responders also arrived at the scene to investigate. According to analysts, the drone that crashed on February 18 bears similarities to the Crecerelle, a reconnaissance UAV developed by the French defense company Sagem. However, authorities have not yet confirmed this information. The incidents have raised concerns due to the region’s proximity to the Kapustin Yar military training ground, which is leased by the Russian Ministry of Defense. Located in Bokeyorda District, the facility occupies nearly half of the district’s territory. Meanwhile, in neighboring Russia’s Saratov region, Ukrainian drones have repeatedly targeted military facilities, including airfields and fuel storage sites. On February 17, seven drones carrying explosives and metal shrapnel attacked the Kropotkinskaya oil pumping station, a facility operated by the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC). The recent drone crashes in West Kazakhstan region have heightened security concerns among residents and the authorities. Investigations are ongoing to determine the origin of the drones and any potential links to military activity in the region. [caption id="attachment_29909" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Image: Colonel GSh Telegram channel[/caption] Posting images of its tail number, the has reported that the drone was a Russian Geran-2 (Shahed-136) kamikaze drone. > > This story has been updated to reflect breaking developments.

Defence military equipment Drones Turkey

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.

China Investment Projects Drones Economic Cooperation

Chinese Company to Manufacture Drones in Kazakhstan

Yesil Technology Company, a subsidiary of China’s Shaanxi Kaizhuo Electronic Technology Co., Ltd., is set to establish an industrial drone production facility in Kazakhstan. The project, valued at approximately $12 million, marks a significant step in advancing high-tech manufacturing in the country. Construction of the production and research zone, spanning 50,000 square meters, will begin in March 2025 in the Almaty region. The facility will include a workshop for manufacturing drone batteries, a research center for innovative technologies, a full-cycle machine storage, and a test site for drones. Supported by the national company Kazakh Invest, the initiative is projected to create 500 new jobs. The drones manufactured in Kazakhstan will serve both the domestic market and be exported to neighboring Central Asian countries. Yesil Technology aims to integrate advanced UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) technologies into various sectors, including agricultural monitoring, environmental protection, securing sensitive facilities, emergency rescue operations, and counter-drone measures. Yongning Hui, the head of Yesil Technology, highlighted the company's commitment to solving critical challenges in the drone industry, including extending UAV flight ranges, enhancing intelligent obstacle avoidance, and improving navigation precision and stability. “Yesil Technology actively attracts outstanding scientists and researchers from around the world, focusing on solving key problems such as the limitation of unmanned aerial vehicles’ flight range, the accuracy of intelligent obstacle avoidance, and the precision and stability of navigation, which hinder industry development," Hui stated. "Today, our products already have the ability to operate stably in the most challenging conditions and accurately perform tasks, providing users with calm and reliable aviation services. Yesil Technology also takes on an important mission to train local personnel in unmanned aerial vehicle technology.” The company’s efforts come at a time of rapid global growth in the low-altitude economy. According to the World Federation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, the market for low-altitude drones and related technologies reached $318.64 billion in 2024. By 2050, this figure is expected to surpass $8.8 trillion. China has emerged as a leader in this sector, with its low-altitude economy market valued at $68.65 billion in 2023. Projections for 2024 estimate growth to $79 billion, with an average annual growth rate of over 16% anticipated over the next five years. The establishment of the drone production facility in Kazakhstan aligns with the country’s broader goals of fostering technological innovation and regional economic integration.

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Kazakhstan Strengthens Locust Control to Protect Agricultural Crops

Kazakhstan plans to double its machinery and equipment for combating locust infestations during the 2025 growing season. The expansion of locust control measures and preparations for spring fieldwork were key topics discussed at a government meeting on January 9. Deputy Minister of Agriculture Ermek Kenzhekhanuly reported that 247 pieces of equipment were deployed for chemical field treatments in 2024. This number will rise to 443 in 2025, including 46 agro drones and 7 monitoring drones newly acquired by the Ministry of Agriculture. Enhanced Strategies and Subsidies Building on a successful pilot project in the Turkestan region last spring, the Ministry has adopted centralized services for the purchase, transport, and storage of pesticides and field treatment. The program tested agro drones for spraying fields and operated under a unified "one supplier - all work" principle. To further support farmers and service providers, the government will reimburse 25% of the cost of wheeled spraying machinery and agro drones, making these technologies more accessible. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin emphasized the need to restructure sown areas, reducing wheat cultivation in favor of oilseed and other high-margin crops. Results and Regional Cooperation Kazakhstan’s locust control measures proved effective in 2024, with over 3.1 million hectares treated - 23% more than the planned 2.5 million hectares. This protected agricultural crops from significant damage by grasshopper swarms. Locust infestations in Kazakhstan have escalated in recent years, affecting 514,000 hectares in 2020 and rising to 1.6 million hectares by 2023. According to the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization, locust outbreaks threaten agriculture across Central Asia and the South Caucasus, endangering over 25 million hectares of farmland and impacting approximately 20 million people. To address the issue, Kazakhstan continues close cooperation with neighboring countries, including Russia, to monitor and mitigate the potential spread of locusts.