Defense ministry admits Kazakh border guards can’t detect foreign drones

Kazakh border guards are currently unable to detect foreign drones entering the country, according to Darkhan Akhmediyev, Kazakhstan’s deputy defense minister, who recently commented on the issue.

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Akhmediyev noted that the challenge lies at the intersection of digitalization and the procurement of the necessary weapons systems. Nevertheless, he said the military already has a foundation in place to improve its capabilities.

«This is less about digital solutions than about the weapons themselves. But as for digital solutions, we already have them. The air defense forces can monitor the airspace in radio-silence mode, meaning digitally, and have the ability to transmit certain data. I believe that what the air defense forces have today has potential for further development. We will also invest in technologies for detecting small UAVs,» Akhmediyev said.

Asked about specific technologies that could help intercept unauthorized drones, the deputy minister said it was too early to provide details.

Series of drone incidents in western Kazakhstan

Last year, Kursiv.media reported a series of incidents involving drone crashes in western Kazakhstan.

In March 2025, a crashed drone was discovered in the region.

A week later, similar incidents were reported again. On March 25 and 26, 2025, several more unmanned aircraft had been found in the same area. Authorities called in specialized services to examine the debris and determine the cause of the drones’ deviations from their intended routes.

Read also: Kazakhstan’s military embraces new combat strategies.

In May 2026, Kursiv.media reported that unidentified drones had been spotted near the Syrym border checkpoint and a nearby border outpost. The Ministry of Defense said no violations of the country’s airspace had been recorded in the western part of the country.