Almaty prepares for drone delivery tests
A drone delivery project is set to be launched in Almaty. The Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development has signed a first-of-its-kind memorandum in Kazakhstan with Freedom Lifestyle on the development of drone delivery services.
The document outlines the joint launch of pilot projects and testing of unmanned couriers in real urban conditions. The focus is on the delivery of food, everyday goods and medicines, emphasizing safety and convenience for residents.
Freedom Lifestyle is set to undertake the organization and partial funding of the project, as well as the integration of drone delivery into its digital products. Since early 2025, the company has been assembling a team of unmanned aerial vehicle operators and testing the technology in its own Freedom X R&D lab.
In turn, the ministry is responsible for regulatory conditions, flight safety, and coordination of the technology’s implementation in the urban environment. It is supporting the project at the pilot stage so that it can be scaled up in accordance with clear and transparent rules in the future.
CEO of Freedom Lifestyle Group Alexey Lee highlighted that cooperation with the government will accelerate the introduction of drones into everyday life.
«This partnership opens new horizons for bringing unmanned technologies into citizens’ everyday lives, making deliveries faster and more efficient,» he said.
The pilot project in Almaty is scheduled for January–March 2026. During the first stage, drones are expected to transport cargo of up to 10 kilograms within a 3-kilometre radius from two points located in the upper and middle parts of the city. Flights will only be conducted during daylight hours and under favorable weather conditions.
The project will be rolled out in stages, gradually increasing the number of drones as safety, communication stability, and resident feedback are assessed. This phased approach will help prepare the service for expansion, including deliveries to rural areas.
Developers note that the infrastructure for the pilot project is ready. Each drone is equipped with a safety system, including a parachute, automatic return, and safe landing functions. The drones are capable of flying autonomously if the internet connection is lost. Routes will be laid out mainly over green areas and along streets to reduce risks to people.
Freedom Holding Corp. is a leading brokerage and investment holding company in Central Asia and Eastern Europe, led by CEO and majority shareholder Timur Turlov.
In Kazakhstan, the holding provides brokerage services under the brands Freedom Broker (Freedom Finance JSC, a KASE member) and Freedom Finance Global (an AIX member). Other Freedom Holding Corp. subsidiaries operate in the country, including Freedom Bank and insurance companies Freedom Insurance and Freedom Life.
