BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 5. An unscheduled
audit of Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Defense covers 50 facilities,
including 48 military units, Chairman of the Supreme Audit Chamber
Alikhan Smailov reported to President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the
presidential press service said.


The president was presented with a report on the progress of the
unscheduled performance audit of the use of budget funds by the
Ministry of Defense. A group comprising leading specialists from
the state audit system and experts in IT and communications was
formed to conduct the audit.


The audit will assess the situation across all key areas of the
Armed Forces, including the logistical support of military units,
personnel training, military exercises, development of military
infrastructure, modernization of weapons and equipment, and the
operation of digital systems.


Tokayev was also informed about the results of a completed audit
of the state defense procurement system.


Following the audit, the Supreme Audit Chamber sent 57 specific
recommendations and instructions to the government and relevant
state bodies to address the violations identified.


Smailov also briefed the president on ongoing scheduled audits
covering priority areas of economic development and the social
sector.







In addition, Smailov reported on the results of the 63rd meeting
of the Governing Council of the Asian Organization of Supreme Audit
Institutions, held in Astana with representatives from 19 countries
of the region. Kazakhstan hosted an event in this format for the
first time.


Following the meeting, Tokayev issued a number of specific
instructions concerning the audit of the Ministry of Defense and
the further development of the state audit system.


Tokayev ordered a comprehensive inspection and audit
of the Ministry of Defense following a fatal incident involving
servicemen in the Caspian Sea.


On September 24, 2026, 17 servicemen fell into the
water amid a storm and strong winds during the Khazar Korgany-2026
military exercises in Kazakhstan’s Mangystau region. Fourteen
servicemen died.


Following the incident, Tokayev dismissed Defense
Minister Dauren Kosanov on September 27. Major General Aidos
Myrzakhmetov, who previously headed the Special Operations Forces,
was appointed as the new Defense Minister.