New Defense Minister outlines changes for Kazakhstan's army

Tengrinews.kz — The newly appointed Minister of Defense, Aidos Myrzakhmetov, held his first working meeting with the ministry's leadership, outlining key objectives for the further development and reform of the Armed Forces, citing the Ministry of Defense press service.
Discussions focused on the President's directives for a comprehensive overhaul of the military, taking into account modern threats, the experience of recent armed conflicts, the rapid evolution of military technology, and the safety of military service.
Primary emphasis will be placed on enhancing actual combat readiness, refining command and control systems, improving the quality of combat training, and developing weaponry and military equipment. Strengthening the morale and fighting spirit of servicemen was identified as a vital component of the reforms. Commanders were tasked with fostering a healthy psychological climate within military units, improving educational work, and enhancing the living conditions and service environment for personnel.
It was noted that special attention must be paid to ensuring safety during military service, as well as preventing and strictly suppressing hazing and other non-statutory relationships.

"The Minister emphasized the need to revise approaches to military training. Training must align as closely as possible with modern combat conditions, be based on practical experience and the analysis of contemporary conflicts, and incorporate new methods for employing drone systems, electronic warfare, reconnaissance, communications, and other technologies," the Ministry of Defense stated.

The meeting also addressed unit preparation for assigned tasks. Commanders were ordered to ensure high-quality training for servicemen, coordinated unit performance, and readiness to operate under diverse conditions.

"A separate area of reform will be the improvement of the command and control system. This includes further digitalization of processes, reduction of redundant administrative procedures, reporting, and meetings that lack practical value. The freed-up resources must be directed specifically toward increasing the combat effectiveness of the troops," the Ministry of Defense report said.

According to the department, work will continue on improving the military's logistics and technical support. Procurement and resource allocation must be based on the actual needs of the troops and combat training priorities. The Minister ordered the rational and efficient use of budget funds, the elimination of wasteful spending, and increased transparency in decision-making.

"The military should not develop for the sake of reporting metrics and ceremonial events. Every process, every decision, and every allocated resource must yield a practical result and be aimed at increasing the combat capability of the Armed Forces. Every soldier must feel safe," the Defense Minister noted.

The meeting also reviewed the progress of a comprehensive audit of the Ministry of Defense's activities, conducted by order of Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Heads of structural units were instructed to provide the commission with necessary assistance and all requested information.
On September 27, by presidential decree, Aidos Myrzakhmetov was appointed Minister of Defense of Kazakhstan. He succeeded Dauren Kosanov, who was dismissed the same day. These personnel decisions followed a tragedy in the Caspian Sea during military exercises in the Mangistau region, where 14 servicemen lost their lives. Following the incident, the President ordered a comprehensive investigation into the Ministry of Defense's operations.
The previous day, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev received the new Minister of Defense and gave specific instructions on strengthening the country's defense capabilities, increasing the combat readiness of the Armed Forces, and refining the military command system.
Photo by the Akorda press service
The Head of State paid special attention to the safety of military service. The President emphasized that preserving the lives and health of servicemen must be an unconditional priority for commanders at all levels.