Localization of drone manufacturing and workforce support: Comprehensive Plan on UAS approved by the government

The Government of Kazakhstan has approved the Comprehensive Development Plan for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) for 2026–2029. The document establishes a unified legal foundation for a new sector of the economy, according to the press service of the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic.

What the UAS development plan includes

• Deployment of the Unified Digital UAS Platform and Unmanned Aircraft System Traffic Management (UTM) systems

This involves transitioning interactions between citizens, businesses, and government agencies into a digital format. Drone registration and route approvals will be handled via a digital service.

• Production of UAS hardware and software with an export focus

The authorities will support not only semi-knocked-down assembly of drones for various purposes, but also the creation of full-cycle manufacturing facilities. To this end, there are plans to simplify the import of raw materials and components into Kazakhstan.

• Oversight by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kazakhstan

The Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic will be granted authority to oversee and monitor the operation of drones. Competent authorities will address the issue of mandatory liability insurance for UAS owners, as well as the issuance of operator certificates via Public Service Centers (TSOPs).

• Personnel training starting from school

The comprehensive plan provides for developing engineering talent, ranging from early career guidance for schoolchildren to in-depth specialization for university students. Educational programs are also scheduled to be updated.

In addition, the republic will pursue the development of ground infrastructure. A network of vertiports, droneports, and automated charging stations (ACS) needs to be built. Unmanned freight transportation will begin in test mode in 2027.