Kazakhstan’s military switching to national messaging platform

Kazakhstan’s armed forces are to phase in the use of the domestic messaging service Aitu for official communications, the Ministry of Defence has announced.

The move, ordered by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, is aimed at reducing the security risks posed by reliance on foreign digital platforms, Caliber.Az reports, citing Kazakhstani media.

According to the ministry’s statement, the transition to Aitu represents “a key step in strengthening the protection of sensitive information within state institutions, including the defence sector”. Until now, service members had often relied on international messaging apps, which officials said carried the potential for data breaches.

Deputy Defence Minister for Digitalisation, Darkhan Akhmediev, said the shift reflected a global trend towards the use of national IT products to safeguard digital sovereignty.
“Using Aitu, which operates under Kazakhstan’s jurisdiction and complies with national requirements for data storage and processing, will ensure full control over information flows,” he noted.

Defence Minister Dauren Kosanov has instructed that all units gradually adopt the platform, with the transition due to be completed by the end of 2025. Authorities said the process would take into account the organisational structure of the armed forces and existing communication channels to avoid disruption.

The app will be used for a wide range of functions, from information exchange to holding meetings and coordinating activities. Officials expect the change not only to bolster security but also to streamline internal communications.

Last week, President Tokayev directed the government to migrate all communication involving personal data to Aitu. He has also ordered measures to introduce artificial intelligence into public services within three months, while calling for a review of AI strategies pursued by both the Trump administration in the United States and China.

Aitu, developed by Kazakhstan’s BTS Digital, is the country’s first national messenger. The platform supports text, audio and video communication, group chats, and interactive features such as stickers and reactions. According to its developers, it combines security, reliability and speed, and is already integrated into projects across society, business and government.

By Aghakazim Guliyev