Turkmenistan President Serdar Berdimuhamedov has made military modernization his country’s primary goal in 2025.
The emergent Turkmen military, 40,000 strong according to the Global Fire Power Index, is becoming a regional power and already has the largest tank corps in Central Asia. Turkmenistan is investing in better training, equipment, weapons, accommodations and increased salaries for military service members.
During a session of the country’s State Security Council in January 2025, Berdimuhamedov emphasized the “critical role” of the military in “maintaining the nation’s security and stability.”
“Turkmenistan is rapidly expanding and modernizing its military to allow Ashgabat to defend itself against domestic challenges, threats from Afghanistan, and increasing competition on the Caspian, as well as to support its expanded political and economic activity internationally,” noted an article in the Eurasia Daily Monitor.
However, military modernization is not without obstacles. In response to a shortage of recruits, Turkmenistan announced plans to raise the upper age limit for military conscription from 27 to 30. Male citizens who study abroad are expected to serve in the military when they return to Turkmenistan.
Despite the recruitment issues, which are not unique to Turkmenistan, the government is intent on playing a greater role in providing for its own security.