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Kazakhstan is set to create a large-scale defense industry center based on Central Asia’s only tank repair plant, located in Semey. The announcement was made by Kazakhstan's Defense Minister Ruslan Zhaksylykov during a conference of the Association of Defense Industry Enterprises. According to Zhaksylykov, the facility will go beyond its current role of repairing and modernizing military equipment and will also begin producing weapons. This initiative aims to enhance Kazakhstan’s defense capabilities and reduce the country’s reliance on imported military hardware. The Semey tank repair plant, operational since 1987, specializes in servicing armored personnel carriers (APCs), self-propelled artillery units, and tanks. Transforming it into a defense industry hub will allow Kazakhstan to expand its military production and strengthen its position in the regional defense sector. "Today, 124 companies operate in Kazakhstan's defense industry, but not all are actual manufacturers. Some exist only to receive funds from state defense contracts without producing anything," Zhaksylykov stated. To address these inefficiencies, the minister proposed establishing a special commission comprising representatives from both the Defense Ministry and private sector businesses. Zhaksylykov also underscored the importance of localizing military production. He emphasized that even if advanced military technologies are sourced from abroad, their adaptation and manufacturing should take place within Kazakhstan to ensure technological independence and sustainability.
Kyrgyzstan’s State Committee for National Security (GKNB) has claimed that it has uncovered and dismantled a criminal group that operated a smuggling network transporting firearms, ammunition, and military uniforms from the United States to Russia via Kyrgyzstan. According to Kyrgyz security services, the smuggling operation began in April 2022 and involved individuals from Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and the United States. The group illegally transported and sold firearms, including Glock, CZ, and SIG Sauer pistols, as well as assault rifles, shotguns, and corresponding ammunition. “It was established that Kyrgyz citizens and other individuals - whose names are not being disclosed due to the ongoing investigation - purchased firearms from U.S. manufacturers via online platforms. These weapons were then concealed in shipments disguised as video equipment and transported to Kyrgyzstan. Once in the country, the main firearm components were assembled, creating ready-to-use weapons, which were subsequently smuggled into Russia for illegal sale,” the GKNB stated. Authorities estimate that since 2022, more than 300 firearms have been trafficked from the United States to Russia through this scheme. On January 23, 2025, a Kyrgyz citizen was caught while receiving another shipment of weapons from the United States. Law enforcement officials seized two barrels from a combat assault rifle and a barrel from a Glock-34 pistol. The suspects have been placed in pre-trial detention at a GKNB detention center following a court decision. Special services continue to identify other individuals involved in the operation.
From the end of May the U.S. will restrict exports of all firearms to non-government entities in high-risk countries, including Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan, according to a statement from the U.S. Department of Commerce. According to the statement, the Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has issued a regulation “amending the Department’s licensing policy for exports of firearms, ammunition, and related components under its jurisdiction.” The decision concerns export to non-governmental organizations. Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan are among 36 countries included on the list of high-risk nations. As part of the new changes to the regulations, the administration is also shortening the validity period of arms export licenses to one year from four years. The changes are aimed at reducing the risk of increasing instability in the regions of the world through the illicit use of American weapons.
