Russia Eyes Central Asia as a Safe Haven for Its Defense Industry
BLM Sets October Oil and Gas Lease Sale for Montana and Dakotas Eurasianet is an independent news organization that covers news from and about the South Caucasus and Central Asia, providing on-the-ground reporting and critical perspectives on… With Russian infrastructure being pummeled by Ukrainian drones, the Kremlin is hoping to sustain its war effort in Ukraine going by deepening defense cooperation with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
It is uncertain, however, whether Astana and Tashkent will go along with Moscow’s wishes.
Russia appears to be primarily interested in outsourcing the manufacture of arms, establishing assembly lines and maintenance facilities in the Central Asian nations, thus putting them beyond the reach ofUkrainian drones, according to a reportpublishedby RFE/RL.
“Ukraine has certainly become more bold in its actions, but it will not want to launch drone strikes on Kazakhstani territory,” defense analyst Derek BisacciotoldRFE/RL’s Central Asian service.
“That would be seen there as a serious escalation.” Any move to shift arms production from Russia to Central Asia would mark a sharp change in regional dynamics.
For most of the post-Soviet era, Russia was the main supplier of weapons to Central Asian states.
Moscow’s near monopoly on the regional arms market started eroding in 2022, when the Kremlin launched its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.
Now, Kyiv’s successful drone campaign appears to be forcing Russia to consider becoming an arms importer rather than exporter.
Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are already home to facilities capable of keeping Russian equipment in the field, including theSemey Engineering plantandAlmaty’s Aircraft Repair Plantin Kazakhstan, as well as theChirchik Aircraft Repair Plantin Uzbekistan.
For Kazakh and Uzbek leaders, the hassles of expanding defense cooperation with Russia may welloutweighthe advantages.
For one, doing so could expose both countries to expansive secondary sanctions from the United States and European Union.
Responding to a query by RFE/RL, a Kazakh Defense Ministry official was equivocal, saying the matter was still under review.
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