Uzbekistan to overhaul defence doctrine and national security strategy

Uzbekistan is set to revise its defence doctrine and national security concept in response to what the authorities describe as a rapidly shifting regional and global security environment, according to a statement from the presidential press service.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev raised the issue at a meeting of the country’s security council, saying the current defence doctrine, adopted eight years ago, and the national security concept dating back to 1997, no longer fully reflect present-day challenges, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Mirziyoyev stressed the need to strengthen the country’s military security and defence posture, calling for a more systematic and proactive approach focused on preventing risks and threats rather than reacting to them after they emerge.

As part of the proposed reforms, the president outlined plans to introduce a new model of compulsory military service aimed at equipping conscripts with professional skills and providing clearer post-service prospects.

Under the initiative, around 5,000 conscript soldiers each year will receive training through state-backed programmes, including “One Million Programmers” and “Five Million AI Leaders”.

The government also plans to allow serving soldiers to apply to universities during their period of service and to expand support for education after demobilisation. Measures under consideration include reimbursing the cost of professional certification and offering interest-free education loans.

Additional steps are expected to focus on improving employment opportunities for former servicemen, with expanded support for entrepreneurship and preferential treatment in hiring.

By Aghakazim Guliyev