Kazakhstan Replaces Defense Minister Following the Tragedy in the Caspian Sea
Kazakhstani President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev dismissed Dauren Kosanov from his post as the country’s defense minister. The decision was made on September 27, a few days after a tragedy during naval exercises in the Caspian Sea that claimed the lives of 14 servicemen. The day before, Tokayev had established a commission to conduct a comprehensive review of the Ministry of Defense’s operations.
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev dismissed Dauren Kosanov from the post of defense minister. The decision was announced on September 27. This was reported by the press service of the President of Kazakhstan, and the information was relayed by the state news agency Kazinform. “By decree of the head of state, Dauren Zhumataevich Kosanov has been dismissed from the post of Minister of Defense of the Republic of Kazakhstan,” the statement reads.
The dismissal came a few days after a tragedy during naval exercises in the Caspian Sea. On September 24, while carrying out a combat training mission, 17 servicemen ended up in the water. Three were rescued, while 14 died. According to preliminary data from the Kazakh Ministry of Defense, the tragedy was caused by a sudden deterioration in weather conditions and strong winds. The servicemen were swept out to sea while disembarking from the boat. The incident occurred near the coast of the Mangystau Region, approximately 43 kilometers from Aktau.
What Happened During the Exercises
The “Khazar Korgany—2026” exercises began on September 22 in the Kazakh sector of the Caspian Sea. Ships and boats of the Kazakhstani Navy, hydrographic vessels, units of the Border Guard Service’s Coast Guard, and aircraft of the Air Defense Forces participated in the maneuvers. On September 24, while carrying out a training exercise, weather conditions deteriorated sharply. Service members who were on a boat were swept out to sea.
The search-and-rescue operation continued until September 25. That morning, rescuers found the bodies of two servicemen who had previously been listed as missing. The search was then called off. A nationwide day of mourning was declared in Kazakhstan on September 25. Tokayev ordered a full investigation into the circumstances of the tragedy and directed that assistance be provided to the families of the victims.
Investigation into the Tragedy
Following the deaths of the servicemen, a criminal investigation was launched in Kazakhstan. The Prosecutor General’s Office stated that an investigative team is working at the scene, and interrogations and forensic examinations are underway. On September 25, law enforcement officials reported the detention of five officials from the Ministry of Defense. Among them are the Chief of Staff and the First Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Navy, two military unit commanders, as well as the commanders of a marine company and a patrol boat.
They are suspected of official negligence and violations of navigation rules that led to serious consequences. The final circumstances of the tragedy are to be determined by the investigation. Separately, on September 26, President Tokayev established a commission to conduct a comprehensive audit of the Ministry of Defense’s operations. The commission was tasked with examining, in particular, the financial and logistical support provided to military units and with submitting its initial findings within seven days.
Who Is Dauren Kosanov
Dauren Kosanov became head of Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Defense in June 2025. In early September 2026, Tokayev reappointed him to this position following the formation of a new government. Prior to this, Kosanov served for many years in the military aviation. He commanded a squadron, an air base, the Air Force, and the Air Defense Forces of Kazakhstan.
The President of Kazakhstan has now dismissed him from the post of defense minister. The official announcement of his dismissal does not provide a specific explanation for the reasons, but the decision was made amid an investigation into a tragedy that occurred during military exercises and an audit of the Ministry of Defense. According to Kazinform, Aidos Mirzakhmetov has been appointed as Kazakhstan’s new Minister of Defense. Kazinform reports this.
