Deputies Warn Kazakhstan Could Become Dependent On Starlink

Mazhilis deputies have criticized the government’s approach to updating Kazakhstan’s KazSat satellite system, Orda.kz reports.

They warned that Kazakhstan risks becoming dependent on foreign communication services such as Starlink and OneWeb if it fails to replace KazSat-3 in time.

The deputies sent a request to Artificial Intelligence Minister Zhaslan Madiyev. They noted that KazSat-3’s service life expires in 2029, and without a new satellite, Kazakhstan could lose its orbital-frequency resource.

The dependence of critical communication infrastructure on foreign providers outside the jurisdiction of the Republic of Kazakhstan is unacceptable in the current geopolitical situation,the deputies wrote.

They also criticized the KazSat-3R project tender. According to them, the procurement process follows standard public procurement rules, which they said are unsuitable for the space industry and high-tech projects. Deputies also warned of the risk of receiving an outdated product or dealing with intermediaries charging inflated prices.

They separately noted that the March tender attracted no suppliers.

In response, Madiyev said invitations were sent in December 2025 to more than 40 global companies, including Airbus Defence & Space, Thales Alenia Space, Turkish Aerospace Industries, China Great Wall Industry Corporation, and OHB SE.

However, only five companies applied: China Great Wall Industry Corporation, Shanghai Engineering Center for Microsatellites, Glavkosmos, ReOrbit Oy, and Turkish Aerospace Industries.

The applications have now been sent back for revision. The documents must be resubmitted by the end of June 2026. After that, the authorities will choose a winner and hold public procurement. The contract is expected to be signed by the end of the year.

The ministry does not plan to change the KazSat-3R project parameters. Madiyev said the communications control center must be located in Kazakhstan by law, and the autonomy of communication channels is already included in the current project requirements.

Original author: Alexander Zhdanov

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