The sharp increase in military spending in Central Asian countries has been noted by the American publication Voice of America, reports the news agency 24.kg.
"In the former Soviet republics of Central Asia, there has been a sharp rise in military spending, which officials responsible for development attribute to regional conflicts such as the war in Ukraine, although experts doubt that increased military spending will enhance stability," the publication states.
The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute estimated that military expenditures in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan in 2023 amounted to $1.8 billion. The institute's report did not include data on defense spending in Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, as these countries do not disclose such information.
It is noted that Kazakhstan's military budget amounted to about 0.5% of GDP, which is approximately $1.3 billion. In Kyrgyzstan, military spending was 1.5% of GDP, or $208.5 million, and in Tajikistan - $120 million.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
July 29, 2024