Regional Military Exercise 'Unity – 2025' Commences in Uzbekistan

'Unity – 2025' Military Exercise Kicks Off in Samarkand Region

A significant regional military exercise, dubbed 'Unity – 2025' (also referred to as 'Birlik-2025'), officially commenced on October 14, 2025, at the Kattakurgan training ground in Uzbekistan's Samarkand region. The drills bring together military units from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, the Kyrgyz Republic, and Azerbaijan, marking a concerted effort to bolster regional security and cooperation.

The opening ceremony on October 14 featured the national anthems of the participating sovereign states, with speakers emphasizing the importance of collaborative maneuvers and the synergistic exchange of operational expertise. This exercise is considered one of the largest international military cooperation events in the history of Uzbekistan's Ministry of Defense, held at the initiative of the Central Military District.

Objectives and Participating Nations

The primary goals of the 'Unity – 2025' exercise are multifaceted, focusing on strengthening collective defense and regional stability. Key objectives include:

• Strengthening trust and cooperation among the participating nations.
• Ensuring regional security and maintaining sustainable peace.
• Enhancing the ability to jointly respond to modern military threats.
• Exchanging experience and improving joint military skills.
• Raising the professional level of servicemen in anti-terror operations.

The exercise involves military personnel from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Preparations for the exercise saw Tajik military personnel arriving in Uzbekistan by October 13, with Azerbaijani servicemen departing for the host nation on October 11. A coordination meeting for the exercise was also held in Samarkand on October 13, where operational objectives were briefed to delegation executives.

Training Scenarios and Equipment

The training process, scheduled to run until October 21, 2025, will encompass a variety of combat scenarios designed to test and improve the interoperability and readiness of the forces. Participants will engage in:

• Practicing combat maneuvers and rapid decision-making.
• Effective use of new types of weapons and drones.
• Extensive deployment of artillery, armored vehicles, and modern weapon systems capable of striking long-range targets.

The exercise specifically involves commando and UAV personnel. For instance, Azerbaijani commando and UAV crews are slated to participate in 14 activities across 20 tactical episodes. Special forces from the participating countries will simulate modern warfare conditions, with a particular focus on the integration of drones.

Regional Significance

'Unity – 2025' underscores Uzbekistan's ongoing commitment to developing international military cooperation and fostering collective security in Central Asia and the broader region. This exercise is viewed as a crucial step towards ensuring stability and is regarded as a symbol of regional solidarity, promoting a joint approach to a secure and unified future. Uzbekistan has been actively enhancing its military capabilities and cooperation with various nations, reflecting a broader trend of increased defense spending and collaboration in Central Asia.