Defense - The Times Of Central Asia

Viewing results 1 - 6 of 22

Kazakhstan Introduces New Reserve Military Service

Kazakhstan’s parliament has approved a bill introducing a new type of military service in the form of reserve duty, aimed at enhancing the country’s defense capabilities. This initiative is expected to bolster the military’s readiness by training specialists in key areas, expediting mobilization processes, and increasing overall combat efficiency. The new legislation introduces a status for “military reservists,” who will be equated with active servicemen during training camps and exercises. The recruitment of reserve forces is set to begin in 2025, marking the start of a program modeled on successful practices implemented in other Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries and beyond. The move aligns with Kazakhstan’s defensive strategy to maintain an army capable of safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Reserve Force Details In the initial phase, the Ministry of Defense plans to enlist approximately 2,000 reservists from across the country, with future adjustments based on military needs. The service will be voluntary, requiring recruits to meet medical and age criteria: officers may serve up to the age of 60, while sergeants and soldiers can serve up to 50. Reservists will undergo training at military units in their local areas. The training program will be funded by the state budget. During 30-day training camps, participants will receive payments equivalent to their average monthly salary, while routine training sessions will guarantee them at least the minimum wage. Comprehensive Legal Reforms To accommodate the introduction of reserve service, the new bill includes about 100 amendments across six legal codes and 14 laws. A new chapter on reserve service will be added to the law “On Military Service and Status of Servicemen” to regulate the selection process, rights, duties, and specific conditions of reservists’ service. Under the new framework, reservists will be classified as servicemen and will be subject to military criminal law, similar to active-duty personnel. Amendments to the Criminal Code and the Code of Criminal Procedure will incorporate the unified term “serviceman” for both active and reserve military personnel. Social Support for Reservists The law also outlines measures for the social support of reservists, including provisions for payments, insurance contributions, and pensions. These benefits are designed to incentivize participation in the reserve service while ensuring financial security for those who enlist. A Voluntary System for National Defense The new reserve service will be exclusively voluntary, open to adult citizens of Kazakhstan who meet the necessary requirements. By offering training opportunities close to home and guaranteeing compensation for participants, the program seeks to attract skilled and motivated individuals to contribute to national defense. Strengthening Defense Readiness Kazakhstan’s decision to introduce reserve military service reflects a strategic commitment to bolstering its armed forces while remaining consistent with its defensive posture. By creating a robust pool of trained reservists, the nation is taking a proactive step toward ensuring its sovereignty and readiness in the face of potential challenges. The program's success will depend on careful implementation and sustained support, but it represents a significant milestone in Kazakhstan’s approach to modernizing its military.

Kazakhstan Again Leads Central Asia in Military Strength

Global Firepower (GFP) has released its Military Strength Ranking for 2025, evaluating the military capabilities of 145 countries based on 60 factors, including resources, financial stability, logistics, and geographic considerations. In Central Asia, Kazakhstan continues to lead the region in military strength, ranking 57th globally, an improvement from its 58th position in 2024. Uzbekistan follows closely in 58th place, climbing seven spots from the previous year. Turkmenistan also made notable progress, rising from 83rd in 2024 to 77th this year. Kyrgyzstan saw a modest improvement, advancing to 100th from 105th, while Tajikistan moved up one spot to 107th this year. The GFP ranking evaluates around 60 criteria, such as troop levels, financial resources, logistics, and the availability of specific military assets. Kazakhstan performed particularly well in heavy weaponry, ranking 17th globally for the number of multiple-launch rocket systems (407 units) and 21st for self-propelled artillery. These strengths have significantly bolstered its defense indicators. Globally, the United States remains the top-ranked military power, supported by the world’s largest defense budget of $800 billion. Russia and China maintain their positions in second and third place, respectively. Bhutan, ranked 145th, is the weakest army on this year’s list.

Kazakhstan Enhanced Military Capabilities in 2024

In 2024, Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Defense made significant strides in modernizing its Armed Forces, equipping them with advanced weapons and military hardware. The upgrades include air defense systems, armored vehicles, aircraft, and naval equipment, reflecting the country’s growing focus on strengthening its defense capabilities. According to the Ministry of Defense, these enhancements align with Kazakhstan’s military modernization goals outlined in the updated military doctrine approved in 2022. Among the notable additions to Kazakhstan’s military arsenal in 2024: Air Defense Systems: The Armed Forces now operate Buk-M2E and Tor-M2K anti-aircraft missile systems (Russia), Rosa-RB radar stations (Belarus), and Nur radar stations, produced domestically in Kazakhstan. Armored Vehicles: The Ground Forces received 53 Arlan armored wheeled vehicles manufactured by Kazakhstan Paramount Engineering and 45 Cobra II armored vehicles from Turkey’s Otokar. These vehicles improve troop mobility and protection. Military Transport Aircraft: In December, Kazakhstan acquired an A400M military transport aircraft from Spain. The aircraft can transport heavy cargo, including military equipment. Naval Vessel: The high-speed transport and landing boat Shapshan, built in Mangistau region shipyards, was launched in Aktau. Designed for sea and riverine operations, it can transport up to 20 marines, has a range of 450 miles, a speed of 45 knots, and supports medical evacuation missions. The Ministry of Defense also prioritized upgrading its current arsenal, repairing and modernizing 85 pieces of ground and air military equipment in 2024. This includes: 8 helicopters 5 radar stations Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev approved a revised military doctrine in October 2022. The doctrine emphasizes: Strengthening air defense, including radar and missile defense capabilities Developing special operations forces Increasing domestic production of ammunition to reduce reliance on imports Establishing partnerships with foreign defense companies to procure modern equipment and create joint ventures for advanced weapon production In the 2024 Global Firepower Index, which ranks military strength, Kazakhstan placed 58th out of 145 countries. This ranking solidifies its position as having the strongest Armed Forces in Central Asia.

Security Defense Reshuffle Ministries

Uzbekistan Shakes Up Top Security Positions

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has reshuffled several top posts in the government’s security establishment, a presidential aide said on Sunday. Shukhrat Khalmukhamedov has been promoted to defense minister from his previous post as the ministry’s first deputy minister and chief of the general staff of the military, presidential press secretary Sherzod Asadov said on social media. Khalmukhamedov had held his previous job since 2021. Khalmukhamedov replaced Bahodir Kurbanov, who was defense minister for five years and moved to chairman of the State Security Service, the national intelligence agency, according to the press secretary. Kurbanov, in turn, took over from Abdusalam Azizov, who was transferred to the Security Council secretariat under the president. Azizov previously held several high-level jobs, including defense minister, internal affairs minister and head of the Uzbekistan Football Association. The government did not announce any reasons for the reshuffle. It came one month after a shooting attack on a vehicle in the Tashkent region that prompted reports by Uzbek media organizations and social media posts that a former high-profile figure in the government was traveling in the vehicle and was the target. There were no injuries in the attack. The prosecutor general’s office has said several suspects were arrested, but has provided few other details about the case. Authorities warned that people who spread false information can be prosecuted because it can lead to panic and destabilize society. In other security developments in the region, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has told his government to upgrade protections at key military and civilian facilities because of escalating hostilities between Ukraine and Russia, which launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in early 2022.

Uzbekistan to Create ‘Schools of Courage’ for Pre-Conscription Training

Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a decree on November 15 to enhance the system of initial pre-conscription training for young citizens. As a result, one “school of courage” will be established at a school in each district and city of the country. The primary objective of these schools is to instill patriotism, physical fitness, and spiritual growth in the younger generation. Students will receive advanced instruction in mathematics, history, physical education, foreign languages, physics, and initial pre-conscription training (IPT). Selection for the “schools of courage” will begin from the fifth grade. These schools will feature an expanded curriculum, including robotics, medical training, legal literacy, and national sports. Practical training will be conducted biannually at military ranges and quarterly at military units. Higher military and paramilitary educational institutions will oversee the schools, providing educational and methodological support. In other schools across the country, pre-conscription training will be taught for two hours weekly, with an additional hour for grades 10–11. Starting June 1, 2025, the position of deputy director for patriotic education will be discontinued, with its responsibilities transferred to the Ministry of Defense. In its place, a new position—head of IPT—will focus on military and patriotic training for schoolchildren. This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to enhance patriotic education, as discussed in a recent presidential meeting. It is envisioned that the “schools of courage” will play a vital role in the national education system, fostering loyal and well-rounded citizens.

Uzbekistan Leads in Central Asia’s Military Strength Rankings

U.S. News recently published its list of the world’s strongest militaries, with Russia, the U.S., and Israel in the top three. The Times of Central Asia reviewed this rating in the Central Asian countries section. Uzbekistan ranks 19th globally in military strength, the highest in the region. However, U.S. News ranks the country 74th out of 78 in its “Best Countries” category, citing an economy still largely driven by cotton. Uzbekistan remains a major global player in cotton, as the fifth-largest exporter and seventh-largest producer worldwide. Kazakhstan, Central Asia’s largest economy, ranks 22nd for military strength and is noted for its vast reserves of fossil fuels, uranium, and other minerals. Much of Kazakhstan’s economic growth has been oil-driven, and the country ranks 83rd on the “Best Countries” list. U.S. News ranked countries based on cultural influence, entrepreneurship, heritage, openness to business, quality of life, and social purpose. In a separate ranking, the Global Firepower Military Index for 2024 lists Kazakhstan as Central Asia’s top military power, placing it at 58th worldwide. Uzbekistan has fallen by three places since last year’s rankings — the only country in the region not to show an improvement — and is now in the 65th position. In the bottom half of the table, Turkmenistan lies in 83rd place, while Kyrgyzstan is 100th. Global Firepower puts Tajikistan in 107th place, making it the region’s weakest army.