In response to heightened geopolitical instability, Central Asia is witnessing a surge in military spending. This increase, driven in part by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, has led the region’s five former Soviet republics to allocate more resources to their armed forces, bne IntelliNews reported.
For over three decades, Russia has been the primary supplier of defense equipment to Central Asian countries. However, recent reports from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) indicate that other nations, including Türkiye, China, and the United States, are increasingly capturing portions of this market.
According to SIPRI’s analysis, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan collectively spent $1.8bn on military expenditures last year. While figures for Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan were not included in the report due to their policy of not disclosing military spending as a percentage of GDP, it is reasonable to assume that their expenditures align with the regional trend.
According to Voice of America (VOA) reports from July 25, detailed spending data for military budgets in Central Asia are as follows: Kazakhstan allocated 0.5% of its estimated $259.7bn GDP, translating to approximately $1.3bn. Kyrgyzstan dedicated 1.5% of its estimated $13.9bn GDP to defense, totaling about $208.5mn. Tajikistan’s military expenditure was 1% of its estimated $12bn GDP, equating to $120mn.
The increase in defense spending in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan follows armed clashes over disputed border areas in April 2021 and September 2022. Although tensions have since diminished, both countries appear keen to avoid being unprepared for potential future conflicts.
In Uzbekistan, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has committed to modernizing the military by 2030, promising advanced weaponry and upgraded capabilities. Meanwhile, Turkmenistan’s President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov recently instructed the defense ministry to enhance military preparedness, reflecting a broader regional trend toward increased defense spending.
In 2023, Central Asian countries collectively spent $1.8bn on defense, a 5.3% decrease from the previous year.
Uzbekistan's defense budget stood at $796.8mn, supporting a military force of 68,000 personnel, including 48,000 active members. These details highlight Uzbekistan's military readiness and its role in the regional context.
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