Central Asia encompasses vast areas that are virtually inaccessible. This includes huge segments of national borders, called “green borders,” between official border control points. These remote borders, often covered by vegetation, are frequently targeted by drug and weapons smugglers.
Seeking to provide better security on hundreds of kilometers of such borders, the Border Service of the National Security Committee of Kazakhstan is partnering with the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) to enlist unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) in its mission.
In January 2025, the OSCE Programme Office in Astana proposed developing a UAV Training Centre of Excellence in the city of Lenger. The center would build on previous technical cooperation with Kazakhstan’s Border Service.
The OSCE began by offering an advanced “Training of Trainers” course in October 2024. OSCE-supported experts trained Kazakhs in “UAV technology, air navigation principles, aviation meteorology, flight planning, operational strategies, mapping, and post-flight procedures.” The trainees operated small fixed-wing and quadcopter UAVs during day and night.
The OSCE also contributed additional technical support, including specialized equipment and two training UAVs. Jaroslaw Kurek, OSCE project manager in Astana, noted that OSCE’s provision of “specialized equipment and knowledge sharing … provides critical support in establishing sustainable UAV operations” by Kazakhstan’s Border Service.
The OSCE acquired expertise using UAVs to patrol borders while conducting a special monitoring mission to Ukraine from 2014 to 2022.
As the center of excellence project advances, the OSCE will assist Kazakhstan in preparing the training curriculum.
“The establishment of the Lenger UAV Centre of Excellence is a testament to the successful partnership between the OSCE and Kazakhstan’s Border Service,” the organization announced. Source: OSCE