Minister: Kazakhstan rules out changes to Baikonur Cosmodrome lease with Russia

Kazakh Minister of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry Zhaslan Madiyev has said that Kazakhstan has no intention of altering the terms under which Russia leases the Baikonur Cosmodrome.

Speaking at a press briefing, Madiyev said the current lease agreement - set to run through 2050 - remains effective and mutually beneficial, Caliber.Az reports via Kazakh media.

“At this time, we see no reason to review the lease terms, as the agreement runs until 2050 and lease payments continue to be made annually,” Madiyev said.

The minister noted that Kazakhstan has received over $3 billion in value from the lease arrangement since it began, both through direct payments and in-kind contributions.

“Annual payments of $115 million will continue as stipulated,” he added.

The Baikonur complex—which includes both the cosmodrome and the nearby city of Baikonur—is one of the world’s largest and oldest spaceports. It features 15 launch complexes for nine different types of launch vehicles, four intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test platforms, 11 assembly and testing facilities, and extensive support infrastructure. Originally built during the Soviet era, Baikonur remains a key component of Russia’s space program and continues serving as a launch site for both military and civilian missions. Under the current agreement, Russia leases the entire Baikonur complex from Kazakhstan until 2050.

By Naila Huseynova