In 2024, Kazakhstan has taken a significant step in equipping the army with high-tech weapons, including unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), El.kz reports citing the Kazakh Ministry of Defense.
As part of the instructions of the President and the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, units of unmanned aerial systems have been created in the Kazakh army. The Wing Loong reconnaissance drone and the Skylark reconnaissance drone are already in service, and the Turkish ANKA UAV has also been successfully tested and put into service.
Kazakhstan is actively cooperating with Turkey in this area. Minister of Defense Ruslan Zhaksylykov visited the SAHA EXPO-2024 exhibition and held talks with the CEO of Baykar Defense. The Turkish side will donate Bayraktar Kalkan, Bayraktar Mini systems and Mosquito-X loitering ammunition to the Kazakh army for military tests.
In addition to the introduction of UAVs, Kazakhstan is developing technologies to counter drones. The Military Engineering Institute of Radio Electronics and Communications in Almaty has created an experimental batch of anti-drone guns that are being tested. It is also planned to purchase Western jamming systems and anti-drone devices, which will strengthen the defense of the country's airspace.
These measures are aimed at strengthening Kazakhstan's defense capability, preparing the army for modern challenges and threats, as well as developing high-tech industries within the country.