Kazakhstan to build $290 million drone and helicopter plant

New factory backed by foreign investment will produce UAVs and helicopters for sectors including logistics, tourism, and agriculture.

ASTANA, Kazakhstan (MNTV) — Kazakhstan have announced plans to build a new manufacturing facility for helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in the southern Turkestan region, aiming to boost the country’s aviation and high-tech sectors.

According to Daryo News, the initiative was revealed following a meeting between Turkestan region governor Nuralkhan Kusherov and a representative of the foreign company funding the project. 

The plant is expected to attract around $290 million in foreign direct investment and create up to 150 new jobs in the region.

The facility will focus on producing cargo and passenger drones, as well as helicopters for civilian and special-use purposes. 

It will also develop models suitable for use across a range of industries, including logistics, tourism, agriculture, and infrastructure monitoring.

Officials say a major emphasis of the project will be on low-altitude aviation—aircraft operating below 3,000 meters. 

These include drone-based urban transport systems, emergency response vehicles, and aerial platforms for industrial applications.

The move is part of Kazakhstan’s broader strategy to strengthen its position in emerging aviation technologies. 

Regional authorities and investors alike believe the project could help position the country as a key player in the evolving global market for drone and helicopter innovation.