Global hunt for AI talent: Kazakhstan’s military enters the fray

Kazakhstan’s Defense Ministry is joining the global race for artificial intelligence (AI) talent, with plans to launch a dedicated AI department, Deputy Defense Minister Darkhan Akhmediev announced recently.

AI division

In a post on Threads, Akhmediev said he is assembling a team for the ministry’s new AI directorate.

«Please reach out to me if there are suitable candidates. We can offer a decent salary, an impressive benefits package and exclusive military perks,» he wrote.

The post, published just hours earlier, quickly sparked interest among Kazakh social media users.

While some responded with enthusiasm, others joked that it was simply another creative attempt by military recruitment offices to draw Kazakhstanis into the armed forces.

Building capacity

Kazakhstan remains committed to gradually developing its AI capabilities. To support the necessary legal framework for the industry, the government has established an AI development council, and legislation to regulate the sector is currently in progress. Additionally, a new international AI center, AlemAI, is set to open later this year.

In May, Kazakhstan’s National Guard, the country’s internal security force, announced plans to introduce an AI-driven system to identify psychological issues among its servicemen.

Notably, Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Digital Development recently denied reports that it had banned the use of AI tools by civil servants, despite claims by some media outlets to the contrary. The agency clarified that in 2024, it approved a guiding document outlining recommendations for using AI in the public sector.

Earlier media reports indicated that the Mazhilis, the lower house of Kazakhstan’s parliament, is set to consider a draft law on AI. MP Ekaterina Smyshlyayeva, the author of the draft law, stated that research shows frequent AI use can diminish critical thinking and analytical skills, posing a potential threat to cognitive development.