Aidos Myrzakhmetov Appointed New Minister of Defense of Kazakhstan: What We Know

Astana — By decree of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Aidos Myrzakhmetov has been appointed as the new Minister of Defense of the Republic of Kazakhstan. He succeeds Dauren Kosanov, who was dismissed following the large-scale emergency in the Caspian Sea, Tiek.kz reports, citing the official Akorda Telegram channel.

A Leadership Shake-Up Amid Sweeping Inspections

The former head of the defense ministry, Dauren Kosanov, was relieved of his post by a prior presidential decree. This high-profile dismissal occurred against the backdrop of tragic military exercises in the Mangistau region that claimed the lives of 14 conscripts.

The tragedy prompted the President to order a total, comprehensive inspection of the entire Defense Ministry system. Amidst the ongoing fallout, parliamentary questions regarding naval safety protocols were specifically directed at former Naval Forces Commander Zhandarbek Zhanuzakov (Saduovich).

Who is the New Minister?

Aidos Myrzakhmetov is a career military officer with extensive command experience in elite units. He graduated from the Military Academy of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Kazakhstan in 2002.

Key Career Milestones and Achievements:

• Throughout his years of service, he rose through the ranks from a platoon commander to the head of a department within the State Security Service (SGO) of Kazakhstan.

• In January 2024, by presidential decree, he was appointed Commander of the Special Operations Forces.

• For his impeccable service, dedication to military duty, and loyalty to the homeland, he was awarded the high state honor—the Order of Aibyn (Valor), II degree.

Within military circles, the new minister has established a strong reputation as a resolute professional capable of taking responsibility for complex and difficult decisions. According to defense specialists, Myrzakhmetov’s recent promotion to the rank of General is the natural culmination of his many years of dedicated service and serves as a symbol of the state’s profound trust in his ability to ensure national security.