Uzbekistan and Russia strengthen defense partnership: joint exercises Hamkorlik-2025 launched

On July 15, joint military exercises of Uzbekistan and Russia called "Hamkorlik-2025" started at the Termez combined arms training ground. The maneuvers, which will last until July 21, have become a logical continuation of the strategic partnership between the two countries in the field of defense. The exercises are held within the framework of the bilateral military cooperation plan signed earlier.

On the Russian side, units of the 201st military base stationed in Tajikistan, Russia's largest military facility outside its territory, are participating in the exercise. The contingent includes mountain and assault units, electronic warfare groups, operators of reconnaissance and FPV drones, as well as crews of Mi-24 attack helicopters. Uzbekistan, in turn, demonstrates the active development of its own military-industrial complex — at the international exhibition IDEX-2025 in Abu Dhabi, the country presented more than 100 units of equipment of national production.

The exercise program includes tactical episodes aimed at identifying and neutralizing conditional illegal armed groups, freeing captured objects and clearing settlements. Special attention is paid to the interaction of units in ensuring security at the borders and working out scenarios of urban combat.

The purpose of the exercise is to strengthen the military brotherhood and increase the level of coordination between the armies of the two countries. About 400 military personnel take part in maneuvers, working out scenarios of special operations and repelling potential threats. Despite the fact that Uzbekistan is not a member of the CSTO, participation in such events underlines its readiness for practical cooperation with key regional partners in defense issues.

The political context adds weight to the exercise. Experts note that Hamkorlik 2025 is taking place against the backdrop of Turkey's growing ambitions in Central Asia. Despite Ankara's active policy, including the promotion of Turkish defense exports, Russia maintains a stable position in the region due to its permanent military presence and the allied format of cooperation. The proof of this is the support provided to Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan on a gratuitous basis.

Analysts also point to the continuing risks associated with Afghanistan. According to estimates of the security forces, up to 100 thousand militants are operating on the territory of this country, capable of destabilizing the region. Given the Taliban's lack of full control over the territory, the potential for threats remains. In addition, experts warn about the activity of destructive forces with combat experience in Syria, where about 20 thousand immigrants from Central Asia may eventually return across the southern border of the region.

Political analyst Igor Shestakov emphasizes that the current exercises demonstrate the strategic importance of preserving the secular nature of power in Central Asian countries. At the same time, Tajikistan remains the most vulnerable link. In his opinion, the formation of a full-fledged Central Asian Union could become an effective tool for ensuring regional security, but internal disagreements still prevent its creation.

Against this background, the active position of Uzbekistan looks particularly significant. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev consistently promotes the course of balanced and pragmatic partnership, attaching symbolic significance to such exercises. Participation in Hamkorlik-2025 is not only military cooperation, but also confirmation of Tashkent's status as a responsible participant in the regional security architecture.