Kazakhstan to undertake major military reforms after Caspian tragedy

The plan includes restructuring the armed forces, improving command and defence planning, establishing unmanned forces and strengthening key components of the military.

How compulsory service will change

Under the proposed model, conscripts will spend their first six months training at military training centres. They will then serve for another six months in military units, focusing on combat readiness and carrying out duties as part of their units.

The reform also places emphasis on the safety and rights of service members. Authorities plan to establish military advisory institutions and introduce a commissioner for military personnel. Measures are also planned to prevent hazing and strengthen military discipline.

The organizational measures under the military reform plan are scheduled to be completed by the end of 2026, with the main changes to be implemented in 2027. The president ordered the review of the Ministry of Defence to be completed by the end of the year. The government and the Security Council will coordinate the reform.

Reform follows deaths of 14 service members in the Caspian Sea

The president called for military reform following an incident during exercises in the Caspian Sea in which 14 service members died.

After the incident, Tokayev dismissed several senior defence officials, including Defence Minister Dauren Kosanov, First Deputy Defence Minister and Chief of the General Staff Kanysh Aubakirov, Deputy Defence Minister Almaz Dzhumakeyev and Navy Commander Kanat Niyazbekov.

Six officials have been detained in connection with the deaths. They include the Navy’s chief of staff and first deputy commander-in-chief, commanders of two military units, the commanders of a marine infantry company and a boat, and former Navy Commander Kanat Niyazbekov.