According to the KAZU news agency, on September 27 local time, Kazakh President Tokayev signed a presidential decree appointing Aidos Melzakhmetov as the new Defense Minister. Previously, Tokayev removed Daujen Kosanov from his position as Defense Minister, who had been in office for less than a month.
Public information shows that Melzahmet graduated from the Military Academy of the Kazakh Armed Forces in 2002. In January 2024, he was appointed commander of the Kazakh Special Operations Forces, and in May 2026, he was promoted to the rank of major general.
Source photo: Melsahmetov (left) and Tokayev
Previously, Tokayev announced the removal of Kossanov from his position as Defense Minister earlier on the 27th, after he had been in office for only 24 days. This personnel change came at a time when Kazakhstan's defense system was undergoing a comprehensive review due to a major military exercise accident.
On September 24th, local time, during the third day of the Kazakhstan 'Belt Shield-2026' military exercise, the weather suddenly deteriorated and the wind increased, causing 17 soldiers to fall into the water about 43 kilometers from the Aktau coast. The Kazakh military immediately launched a large-scale search and rescue operation, and ultimately 3 people were saved, while the remaining 14 died.
According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kazakhstan, at least five senior officers have been detained for suspected dereliction of duty and violation of navigation rules.
Tukhayev announced that September 25 would be designated as a national mourning day, and on September 26, he ordered the establishment of a committee to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the Kazakh Ministry of Defense.
