Turkmenistan Military Forces 🇹🇲

Turkmenistan’s military policy has historically led to a degree of isolationism, however, the country is now expanding its military capabilities to address regional security challenges. These include instability in neighboring Afghanistan and the need to secure its significant energy resources, particularly its hydrocarbon platforms in the Caspian Sea. While officially neutral and not a member of any military bloc, Turkmenistan engages in limited military cooperation with various partners. It maintains a longstanding defense relationship with Russia, has expanded ties with Turkey, and participates in certain NATO programs focused on security and border control.

Military Forces

The Armed Forces of Turkmenistan are undergoing a period of modernization, moving away from exclusively Soviet-era equipment towards a more diverse inventory. The military is structured into Ground Forces, an Air Force with integrated Air Defense Forces, and a Navy.

The Ground Forces possess a large contingent of tanks, including modernized T-90s, making its tank force one of the most numerous in Central Asia. Modernization efforts have included acquiring armored personnel carriers and other vehicles from Turkey.

The Air Force is also upgrading its capabilities. While still operating Soviet-era aircraft like the MiG-29 and Su-25, it has acquired new, more advanced platforms. These include Italian Leonardo M-346FA light combat aircraft and C-27J transport planes, as well as Brazilian A-29B Super Tucano light attack aircraft. A significant recent development is the acquisition of Turkish Bayraktar TB2 UCAVs, enhancing its surveillance and strike options.

The Turkmen Navy was established to project national interests in the Caspian Sea. Its primary role is to protect offshore energy infrastructure and combat smuggling and terrorism. The navy’s development has been a priority, with investments in new ships and shipbuilding capabilities to overcome the fact that it inherited no vessels from the Soviet Caspian Flotilla. It conducts its own naval exercises and participates in joint drills with other Caspian littoral states.

Defense Industry

Turkmenistan does not have a significant indigenous defense-industrial base and relies almost entirely on foreign suppliers for its military hardware. The country has deliberately diversified its procurement partners to avoid over-reliance on a single source. It actively acquires equipment from Russia, Turkey, China, Italy, and other European countries. Recent high-profile acquisitions from Turkey and Italy indicate a strategic effort to procure advanced Western and NATO-standard systems.

Strategic Trends

The primary trend for the Turkmen military is its continued modernization and expansion, driven by the need to secure its borders and economic assets. The instability in Afghanistan remains a key driver for investment in border security, counter-insurgency capabilities, and air power, highlighted by the acquisition of light attack aircraft and drones. In the Caspian Sea, the focus will be on further developing the navy to ensure the security of energy export routes and to assert its maritime rights amid unresolved border delimitations with neighboring states like Azerbaijan and Iran. The country will likely continue to balance its military relationships, leveraging its neutrality to engage with diverse partners like Russia, China, Turkey, and Western nations to acquire technology and training.