The preliminary results of an investigation into Kazakhstan's armed forces have emerged. The probe was ordered by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev following the deaths of 14 servicemen during military exercises in the Caspian Sea, which resulted in the arrest of the former naval chief.
Kanat Niyazbekov, a first-rank captain who previously headed Kazakhstan’s Naval Forces, was detained by the Interior Ministry’s military investigative unit on suspicion of negligence in the performance of his duties. A court has authorised his arrest, while the pre-trial investigation continues.
The case follows a tragedy on 24 September during the Khazar Korgany-2026 exercises in Kazakhstan’s section of the Caspian Sea. More than 500 servicemen took part in the drills, alongside naval vessels and boats, coast guard units and aircraft.
During a training exercise, weather conditions deteriorated and strong winds swept a group of servicemen out to sea. Three were rescued, while 14 died. Criminal cases were opened over alleged negligence resulting in serious consequences and violations of navigation rules.
The investigation has since expanded beyond the circumstances of the incident.
A comprehensive inspection of the Defence Ministry ordered by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev resulted in 13 criminal cases during its first stage.
Authorities identified shortcomings in the preparation and planning of exercises, risk assessment, the organisation of troop deployment and measures to ensure servicemen’s safety. Investigators also uncovered alleged cases of hazing and violence against military personnel.
Separate cases concern possible embezzlement of state property, abuse of office and other violations in Defence Ministry organisations and units. Five Defence Ministry officials have been detained as part of the wider investigation.
The findings have also led to major changes in Kazakhstan’s military leadership.
Tokayev dismissed the defence minister and ordered a reform of the armed forces shortly after the tragedy. He later removed First Deputy Defence Minister and Chief of the General Staff Kanysh Aubakirov and Deputy Defence Minister Almaz Dzhumakeyev. The leadership of the Naval Forces and several other senior military positions have also been changed. Tokayev has said that those responsible for the deaths must face legal consequences.
On 27 September, Tokayev instructed the Security Council’s office and the Defence Ministry to prepare a detailed, phased reform plan within ten days. The proposals are due to be considered at a Security Council meeting in the second half of October.
The stated priorities include improving servicemen’s safety, strengthening discipline and developing what the authorities describe as a “new model army”. The findings of the inspection are expected to be reflected in the reform programme.
The military data organisation Global Firepower estimates that Kazakhstan has around 110,000 active-duty servicemen and a further 135,000 reservists.
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