Kazakhstan is set to embark on a significant transformation of its military forces following the approval of a comprehensive reform plan by the country’s Security Council. The plan, which aims to modernize the Armed Forces, was endorsed during a meeting chaired by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on October 21. This initiative seeks to develop a modern, mobile, and technologically advanced military by incorporating international military experience and insights from recent conflicts.
Central to the reform is the establishment of a new Unmanned Forces branch, reflecting a commitment to technological advancement. Additionally, the plan introduces a two-stage model of compulsory military service, where recruits will receive six months of training at military centers followed by six months in active military units. This approach is designed to enhance combat readiness and operational capabilities.
The reform also focuses on improving military management and training, ensuring the efficient use of public resources, and strengthening the relationship between the military and society. Measures to protect servicemen’s rights, improve military discipline, and enforce safety standards are included, alongside the expansion of military-patriotic education and the establishment of more specialized military schools.
Organizational changes are expected to be completed by the end of 2026, with the main conceptual reforms targeted for implementation in 2027. President Tokayev has mandated a thorough review of the Defence Ministry by the end of 2026 to ensure these reforms are effectively executed.
The Kazakhstan government, along with the Security Council, will oversee the reform’s implementation, underscoring military security as a national priority. The plan envisions a collaborative effort across various government institutions to achieve the desired transformation of the Armed Forces.