Media: Kazakhstan to boost defence industry with new hub at tank repair plant

Kazakhstan is moving forward with plans to establish a new defence industry centre at the only tank repair plant in Central Asia, located in the eastern city of Semey.

The centre will serve a dual purpose. It will not only focus on the repair of military equipment, including weapons, artillery systems, and power units, but also take on the production of these key components, Caliber.Az reports via Kazakh media.

Kazakh Defence Minister Ruslan Zhaksylykov emphasised that this new initiative will strengthen the country's defence capabilities by expanding the ability to both maintain and manufacture crucial military technologies locally. The centre is expected to play a vital role in enhancing Kazakhstan's self-sufficiency in defence production.

The tank repair plant located in Semey, a city in eastern Kazakhstan, holds the distinction of being the only facility in Central Asia dedicated to the repair and maintenance of military tanks. 

Established during the Soviet era, the plant has long served as a critical asset for the region's defence infrastructure. Over the years, it has played a significant role in servicing and refurbishing armoured vehicles, ensuring that Kazakhstan's military forces maintain operational readiness. The plant is strategically located in Semey due to its proximity to key transportation routes and its historical role in Soviet defence industry operations. Now, with plans to expand its scope into the production of military components, the plant is poised to become a central hub in Kazakhstan's growing defence industry.

By Naila Huseynova