A discussion is unfolding in Kazakhstan about the need to increase defense spending amid growing geopolitical tensions. By 2025, the country’s defense budget is planned to reach 666 billion tenge (about $1.3 billion), which will amount to 0.68% of GDP, reports "Kursiv" citing the Ministry of Finance.
However, some members of parliament consider this sum insufficient. In particular, MP Yermurat Bapi criticized the proposed budget, insisting that spending should be increased to 1% of GDP.
He justified his position by pointing to rising risks in the region and forecasts about the possibility of a global conflict by 2030.
Bapi emphasized that, in light of events in Ukraine, the current defense allocations appear disproportionately small. He questioned the calculation method, which projects that only 0.4% of GDP will be allocated for defense needs by 2025.
"If we look at our defense spending in light of what's happening in Ukraine, the allocations are very small. Only 0.4% of GDP will be allocated for defense (by 2025). Where do these calculations come from?" the deputy asked.
In response to the criticism, Deputy Minister of Defense of Kazakhstan Asker Beisenov provided a more detailed breakdown of the planned expenditures.
According to him, 0.44% of GDP will directly fund the Ministry of Defense’s budget, while an additional 0.24% will go to the state defense order, bringing the total to the declared 0.68% of GDP.
Kazakhstan’s Deputy Minister of Finance Abzal Beisenbekuli also noted that a significant increase in the defense budget—nearly 100 billion tenge—is expected as early as next year.
This debate reflects growing concerns in Kazakh society about national security and the country’s preparedness for potential threats.
It is worth noting that in January 2024, the Kazakh army became the strongest in Central Asia, surpassing the armed forces of Uzbekistan. This was indicated in the annual military strength ranking presented by the "Global Firepower" portal.
In this ranking, Kazakhstan’s army took 58th place, while Uzbekistan’s armed forces ranked 65th.
Defense Spending Increases in Other Countries
In 2023, Kyrgyzstan spent about $208 million on defense, which amounts to 1.5% of the country’s GDP. The increase in military spending is related to tensions on the border with Tajikistan and the need to modernize the armed forces.
Tajikistan is also actively increasing its military budget. In 2023, spending amounted to $120 million. In 2024, the country signed several agreements for the supply of drones and electronic warfare systems.
Uzbekistan does not disclose its exact military spending, but it is known that in 2023 the country allocated an additional $260 million for defense. The authorities plan to modernize the army by 2030, investing heavily in modern technologies.
Turkmenistan, like Uzbekistan, does not publish data on defense spending, but the country is actively modernizing its armed forces and increasing military training.
The growth in military spending in the region is explained by threats at the borders, the influence of conflicts in neighboring countries, and governments’ desire to strengthen defense capabilities amid regional and global challenges.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
September 13, 2024