Country Profile: Uzbekistan

Defense Budget: 
In the early 2000s, Uzbekistan sharply reduced its defense expenditures as civil 
wars concluded in Afghanistan and Tajikistan and the government recognized an over-
commitment to defense. Between 2001 and 2003, defense expenditures decreased from US$74 
million to US$52 million, but by 2005 they had increased again to US$60 million. 
Major Military Units: 
In 2006 the ground forces were organized in four military districts, 
comprising two operational commands and one command in Tashkent. The major units were the 
following brigades: one tank, 10 motorized rifle, one light mountain infantry, one airborne, one 
air assault, and four artillery. The air force had seven fixed-wing and helicopter regiments. 

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Library of Congress – Federal Research Division Country Profile: Uzbekistan, February 2007 
 
 
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Major Military Equipment:
In 2006 the army had 340 main battle tanks, 13 armored 
reconnaissance vehicles, 405 armored infantry fighting vehicles, 309 armored personnel carriers, 
200 pieces of towed artillery, 83 pieces of self-propelled artillery, 96 mortars, 108 multiple 
rocket launchers, and 36 antitank guns. The air force had 136 combat aircraft, 29 attack 
helicopters, and 55 assault and transport helicopters. 
Military Service: 
Males are eligible for conscription at age 18. The term of active duty for 
conscripted personnel is 12 months. The government has discussed eliminating conscription and 
forming an all-professional army, but no deadlines have been announced. 
Paramilitary Forces: 
Uzbekistan’s security troops, under the administration of the Ministry of 
Internal Affairs and including internal security and border forces, number between 17,000 and 
19,000 troops. The National Guard, under the administration of the Ministry of Defense, has 
about 1,000 troops.