Kazakhstan Air Defense Tests AI-Assisted Command Systems at Saryshagan

August 31, 2026 at 11:17 AM2 min

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Kazakhstan's Air Defense Forces completed the 'Ashyq aspan – 2026' exercise at the Saryshagan range, testing AI-assisted automated command systems. The drills, led by Major General Kairat Sadykov, focused on repelling massed air attacks and countering drones. The S-300PS system was used to strike a ground target for the first time.

Key Facts

The 'Ashyq aspan – 2026' exercise took place at the Saryshagan range as part of the 'Batyl toitaris – 2026' strategic command-staff drills.
Major General Kairat Sadykov, Deputy Minister of Defense and Commander-in-Chief of the Air Defense Forces, led the exercise.
The S-300PS air defense system was used to successfully strike a ground target, marking a new element in the drills.
Military personnel tested automated command systems with artificial intelligence elements for decision-making support.
Colonel Adil Subebaev, commander of the Air Defense Troops, stated that all assigned tasks were completed in full.

Exercise Leadership and Objectives

The exercise was led by Major General Kairat Sadykov, Deputy Minister of Defense and Commander-in-Chief of the Air Defense Forces. The main objective was to test the readiness of military command bodies and units to repel massed air attacks. Personnel practiced coordination between aviation, air defense troops, and electronic warfare units, as well as operational maneuver and position changes after firing tasks. Special attention was given to countering various types of unmanned aerial vehicles and employing a layered air defense system.

Practical Firing and New Elements

The practical phase included the use of the S-75 air defense missile system within the layered air defense network. Radar assets and electronic warfare complexes were integrated into a unified information and reconnaissance space. For the first time, the S-300PS system was used to strike a ground target, and the missile successfully hit the designated object. Automated command systems with artificial intelligence elements were tested to support decision-making.

Results and Future Application

Colonel Adil Subebaev, commander of the Air Defense Troops, said the units demonstrated the ability to act cohesively in a rapidly changing air environment. All assigned tasks were completed in full, according to Subebaev. The experience gained will be used to further improve the training and employment of Air Defense Forces.