The Armed Forces of Kazakhstan are launching a large-scale process of digital transformation. Acting on the President’s directive, the Ministry of Defense has begun a phased transition of all military units to the use of the domestic messenger Aitu. This step is aimed at strengthening information security and protecting official data from potential leaks.
Why Aitu
Until now, military units often relied on foreign messengers. However, such platforms do not always provide the necessary level of protection and may pose potential risks. The use of Aitu addresses this issue: the service operates under Kazakhstan’s jurisdiction and complies with national legislation as well as data storage and processing standards.
Timeline and procedure of the transition
Kazakhstan’s Minister of Defense, Lieutenant General of Aviation Dauren Kosanov, instructed that all units be transitioned to the domestic messenger by the end of 2025. The transition will take place in stages, taking into account the army’s existing organizational structure and communication channels. This approach will help avoid disruptions in communication and ensure the smooth integration of the new system.
Tasks and capabilities
In the army, the Aitu messenger will perform several functions at once:
- rapid data exchange between units;
- conducting online meetings;
- real-time coordination of actions;
- storage and transfer of official documents.
In fact, this is not merely a change of the usual communication channel, but the creation of a unified ecosystem for the digital interaction of military structures.
Importance for the country
The army’s transition to the domestic messenger has not only practical but also symbolic significance. It reaffirms the commitment to using homegrown digital solutions, developing national IT infrastructure, and reducing dependence on foreign services.