As Russian Arms Exports Slide, Central Asia Shops Elsewhere

RFE-RL

11 October 2026 at 08:21

Central Asian nations are increasingly turning to India, China, Turkey, and Europe for military equipment to reduce their dependence on Russia. Analysts note that this diversification offers greater political flexibility but could create long-term logistical and operational challenges.

India’s Central Asia missile sales spark a new Great Game

Asia Times

By: Gabriel Honrada

8 October 2026 at 10:04

A flurry of landmark arms deals is reshaping Central Asia’s strategic landscape, as regional states leverage alternative defense suppliers to assert their sovereignty amid Russia’s waning dominance and an intensifying Sino-Indian rivalry. Indian Defense Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh confirmed the export of India’s domestically developed Akash surface-to-air missile system to Tajikistan and Turkmenistan, multiple media […]

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Kyrgyz Activist Gets 2 Years For Criticizing Growing Chinese Presence

RFE-RL

1 October 2026 at 17:08

The Lenin District Court in Bishkek found activist and politician Mavlyan Askarbekov guilty and sentenced to two years in prison on offenses related to a law on incitement of racial, ethnic, national, religious, or interregional hatred, a verdict he called "absurd."

Kyrgyzstan To Become Spacefaring Nation With Mini Satellite

RFE-RL

29 September 2026 at 17:14

Kyrgyzstan is set to send a domestically produced satellite into orbit on October 1, marking the Central Asian state's first feat of spacefaring. Uzbekistan has announced its own plans for a domestic satellite.

'Million Dollar' Mutton: Kyrgyzstan's New Monster Sheep Breed

RFE-RL

24 September 2026 at 14:28

A new Kyrgyz sheep breed is charging to fame in Central Asia for the size of its males and the massive prices being reported for prime specimens of the variety.