New Priorities and Objectives for the Development of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Kazakhstan
On 27 September, by decree of the Head of State, Aidos Myrzakhmetov was appointed Minister of Defense of the Republic of Kazakhstan. On the same day, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan – Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held a meeting with the senior leadership of the defense establishment, during which he introduced the new Minister to the Ministry's leadership. The meeting began with a minute of silence in memory of the servicemen who lost their lives during military exercises in the Mangystau Region.
The Head of State gave a principled assessment of the situation in the Armed Forces and set a number of priority tasks for the Ministry of Defense:
Improving the efficiency of budgetary resource utilization. All allocated funds must deliver maximum results for the country's defense capability; misuse and embezzlement of funds are unacceptable.
Reforming the Armed Forces in response to contemporary threats. The Security Council Administration, jointly with the Ministry of Defense, was instructed to submit a Military Reform Plan within ten days.
Introducing transparent criteria for personnel assessment and selection. Appointments to command positions should be based on experience and professional competencies.
Strengthening ideological and educational work among military personnel based on the values of the Constitution, the history of military affairs, and cultural traditions.
Advancing the digital transformation of the Armed Forces by replacing human involvement with technology wherever possible.
Following the first working meeting with the senior leadership of the Ministry of Defense, held on 28 September, the new Minister of Defense outlined practical steps to implement the assigned tasks and confirmed that the safety and protection of every servicemember remain an unconditional priority. Key objectives for the further development and reform of the Armed Forces were identified, and the progress of a comprehensive review of the Ministry's activities, conducted on the instructions of the President, was considered. It was specifically emphasized that resources made available should be directed toward enhancing the combat capability of the troops.
As part of the defense establishment, we share the objectives set by the Head of State and are committed to their consistent and responsible implementation. We regard the President's instructions and the new priorities outlined by the Ministry's leadership as the basis for our further work, with full awareness of the responsibility that this moment entails.
We honor the memory of the servicemen who lost their lives in the line of military duty.