In a powerful display of national pride, military strength, and evolving defense strategy, Kazakhstan held a large-scale military parade in Astana on Thursday to celebrate Defender of the Fatherland Day and commemorate the 80th anniversary of victory in the Second World War. The event, held under the command of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, brought together historical reverence and cutting-edge military technology in one of the most ambitious parades in the nation’s recent history.
More than 4,000 servicemen and women from all branches of the Kazakh Armed Forces marched through the central square of the capital, accompanied by over 200 pieces of military equipment, including 66 aircraft and helicopters. The event marked not just a ceremonial occasion but a strategic messaging opportunity for the country, reinforcing both its defense readiness and aspirations for greater military autonomy and innovation.
The parade opened with ceremonial tributes to veterans of World War II—known in Kazakhstan and other post-Soviet states as the Great Patriotic War—with dignitaries and active service members laying wreaths at war memorials. President Tokayev, addressing the audience and national television viewers, described the day as “a sacred symbol of courage, unity, and the unbreakable spirit of the Kazakh people.”
“Today, we honor not only our past heroes but also the generation of defenders standing guard over our independence,” Tokayev said in his speech. “The Armed Forces of Kazakhstan are a key pillar of our sovereignty and security, and we will continue to modernize and support them.”
The 80th anniversary of World War II’s end added a solemn and symbolic weight to the event, reminding citizens of the sacrifices that shaped their modern state. Approximately 1.2 million Kazakhs served in the Soviet Army during the war, and nearly half did not return. These historical echoes continue to shape Kazakhstan’s national consciousness and approach to military preparedness.
Beyond historical symbolism, the 2025 parade sent a clear message about Kazakhstan’s evolving military capabilities. The Ministry of Defense unveiled a comprehensive lineup of new hardware, including several indigenous and modernized platforms.
Among the most notable inclusions in the mechanized column were the Buk and Tor surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems. These mobile air-defense units, known for their effectiveness in intercepting low- and medium-altitude threats, represent a strategic enhancement in Kazakhstan’s anti-aircraft and missile defense capabilities. Their presence at the parade—some of them mounted on newly integrated platforms—marked their debut in such a public setting.
A new generation of armored combat vehicles also took center stage, including locally developed or co-produced models such as the Barys, Alan, Aybar, Taymas, and Terrex. These vehicles reflect Kazakhstan’s effort to shift from legacy Soviet-era systems toward modular, mobile, and multipurpose designs better suited to modern combat scenarios, including counter-terrorism and peacekeeping roles.
A significant departure from traditional parades was the emphasis placed on unmanned and robotic systems. Specialized vehicles equipped with mine-clearing robots, remote weapon stations, and other autonomous features rolled past spectators, reflecting global trends in AI-assisted warfare and automation.
This year also saw the parade debut of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and drone boats, signaling a diversification of Kazakhstan’s tactical toolkit. Officials highlighted that many of these platforms are now being developed or assembled domestically, a shift intended to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers and boost national defense industry capabilities.
Observers noted the presence of Kazakhstan’s own UAV production initiatives, many of which are being conducted in partnership with Turkish and Israeli defense firms. This growing UAV sector is viewed as essential for border patrol, surveillance, and target acquisition in Kazakhstan’s vast and often rugged terrain.
The aerial segment of the parade was both symbolic and strategic. The flyover featured several types of aircraft, from cargo transports to patrol and reconnaissance planes. Notably, the A400M military transport aircraft—a key asset in long-range logistics and airlift—was included, signaling Kazakhstan’s growing capacity for rapid deployment and humanitarian missions.
Also flying were the L-410 light aircraft and the B-300 maritime patrol aircraft, the latter intended to strengthen surveillance capabilities along Kazakhstan’s Caspian Sea coastline, an area of growing strategic interest due to energy infrastructure and maritime boundaries.
President Tokayev’s remarks during the parade emphasized the growing complexity of Kazakhstan’s security environment. While traditionally a neutral and non-aligned state, Kazakhstan has recently deepened military ties with partners including Turkey, South Korea, and China, while maintaining long-standing defense relations with Russia under the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO).
Analysts say the parade served as a geopolitical signal as much as a domestic celebration. With Central Asia facing increasing security challenges—from border tensions to transnational extremism—Kazakhstan is taking visible steps to project stability and readiness.
“This is not just about showing off equipment—it’s about deterrence and domestic assurance,” said military analyst Ayan Sariyev of the Central Eurasian Strategic Studies Institute. “Kazakhstan is making it clear that it intends to defend its sovereignty and support regional security architectures.”
The event also highlighted progress in Kazakhstan’s ambitions to develop a self-sustaining defense industrial base. Officials from the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Industry noted ongoing investments in military R&D, dual-use technologies, and joint ventures with international arms manufacturers.
Several of the systems on display—including armored vehicles and UAVs—were assembled by Kazakhstan Paramount Engineering, a joint venture with South African defense firm Paramount Group. The government’s strategy includes increasing local content in defense procurement, aiming for 50% domestic production of key systems by the end of the decade.
Beyond the military optics, the parade played an important role in reinforcing Kazakh national identity, particularly as the country navigates a period of generational change, economic diversification, and political evolution under President Tokayev’s “New Kazakhstan” vision.
Military service continues to be portrayed as a patriotic duty and a unifying force in a multi-ethnic society. Alongside male and female cadets, the parade also featured youth formations, students of military academies, and representatives from Kazakhstan’s peacekeeping battalions.
In his closing remarks, Tokayev reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting veterans, improving the welfare of active-duty personnel, and ensuring that the military remains an institution grounded in discipline, competence, and loyalty to the state.
“We will not allow any threat to jeopardize our sovereignty. Our Armed Forces will remain strong, modern, and capable of protecting the nation’s future,” he said.
While the Defender of the Fatherland Day parade was steeped in tradition, its real message was forward-looking. Kazakhstan is carving a role for itself not only as a regional stabilizer but also as a modern middle power with a capable, homegrown military.
