Kyrgyzstan Boosts Defense Spending, Raises Security Forces’ Pay

Kyrgyzstan will increase salaries for security officers by 35% starting July 1, with further raises planned for contract military personnel from November 1.

President Sadyr Japarov made the announcement during a military parade in Bishkek commemorating the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, The Caspian Post reports, citing The Times of Central Asia.

Speaking at the event, Japarov emphasized the government’s commitment to modernizing the country’s armed forces and security agencies. “The budget for our armed forces and other military formations has been increased by more than 400% compared to 2020,” he said. “Military personnel are being equipped with modern weapons, the infrastructure of military towns and garrisons is being developed, and a decent level of material and technical support is being provided.”

Japarov described these efforts not merely as financial support but as recognition of the “selfless work and sleepless nights on the border with the enemy to protect the people.”

The president also noted that Kyrgyzstan has successfully established borders with all neighboring countries, a milestone he attributed to the dedication and professionalism of the armed forces and border guards.

Kyrgyzstan’s renewed focus on defense comes in the context of heightened regional security concerns, particularly following recent armed clashes with neighboring Tajikistan. In response, the government has ramped up investments in military modernization, including the procurement of drones, anti-aircraft missile systems, and heavy equipment. Over the past year alone, 90% of the military’s vehicle fleet has been upgraded.