Photo: Dr Failov / Pexels
Kazakhstan’s government has approved a plan to develop unmanned systems for 2026–2029. It calls for training at least 1,000 specialists, creating a single digital platform and supporting local production.
What happened
The unmanned systems development plan was approved by government resolution No. 898 dated October 13, 2026. Kazinform’s October 23 report on the resolution confirms the approval, the planned digital platform and the target of training at least 1,000 specialists. The Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development will oversee implementation.
According to Profit.kz’s October 28 report, implementation will involve 18 government bodies, local administrations, development institutions and companies in the quasi-public sector.
The planned digital platform is intended to handle applications, maintain aircraft records and registrations, and approve flight routes through a single online service. The plan also includes UTM systems for automated drone traffic management.
Planned ground infrastructure includes drone ports, automated charging stations and vertiports. The plan also provides for allocating radio frequencies and satellite communication channels to the industry.
What this means for drone manufacturers and owners
The government intends to support local production of components, communication systems and secure software. Kazinform’s report also identifies assembly, testing, maintenance and production of critical components and protected software as planned areas of development.
Profit.kz reports that unmanned systems manufacturing is to be included among priority digital activities. The plan also provides for mechanisms allowing Astana Hub residents to secure long-term contracts for products they will manufacture.
Operating rules are a separate area of work. Planned measures include transferring some control and oversight functions to the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Authorities are also considering requirements for secure communication channels and the issuance of operator certificates through specialized public service centers.
The practical use of unmanned systems will be studied in agriculture, energy, mining and metals, logistics, and municipal services. The findings are intended to inform standard use cases and measures to support adoption.
Who will be trained and what will be tested
The workforce target covers at least 1,000 operators, engineers, software developers, and specialists in UTM, cybersecurity and maintenance. Kazinform also confirms plans to establish at least two research and development centers.
According to Profit.kz, planned education measures include model aircraft classrooms in schools, basic piloting skills in initial military training, and updated college and university curricula.
For ground transport, a pilot project to test driverless freight transport is planned for 2027–2028.
