OSCE Programme Office in Astana (the Office), with the support of the Forum for Security Co-operation Support Unit (FSC) and in close co-operation with the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Kazakhstan, successfully concluded the second edition of the Ammunition Storage and Surveillance Course (ASSC) on 16 July in Almaty.
The nine-day course, held from 8 to 16 July 2026, was conducted at the Bitimger training ground of the Ministry of Defence, with one day of practical exercises carried out at the Ali training range. Classroom sessions took place in the training facilities recently modernized by the OSCE, which were officially opened in May 2026 and are designed to support structured and practical training in ammunition life-cycle management. Both the renovation of the classrooms and the delivery of the course were undertaken under the framework of the extra-budgetary project "Addressing Contemporary Safety and Security Risks in the Republic of Kazakhstan," which aims to strengthen Kazakhstan's national capacities in the life-cycle management of conventional ammunition and promote safe, secure, and sustainable stockpile practices in accordance with international standards.
The course was developed and delivered by the Bundeswehr Verification Centre (BwVC), with the support of representatives from the United Kingdom's Joint Arms Control Implementation Group (JACIG). It represents the first module of the broader Ammunition Expert Capability Course (AECC) framework, which will continue with modules on ammunition transport and disposal in the coming year.
ine intensive training days, officers and technical specialists of the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Kazakhstan enhanced their knowledge of risk management, UN hazard classification, net explosive quantity (NEQ) and quantity-distance (QD) calculations, traverses and barricades, temporary storage, ammunition surveillance, self-assessment procedures, and fire safety. Practical exercises at Bitimger and at the Ali training range allowed participants to apply theoretical knowledge through hands-on simulations of risk assessment and safety zoning, in accordance with the UN International Ammunition Technical Guidelines.
"We are confident the results of this course will carry forward in practice," said Jaroslaw Kurek, Project Manager representing the Office, "in participants' daily work, in improved safety procedures, and in a stronger culture of ammunition management shared with colleagues across the country."
The training concluded with a certificate hand-over ceremony, acknowledging the participants' dedication and achievements. The OSCE expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Defence of Kazakhstan, the Bundeswehr Verification Centre, Joint Arms Control Implementation Group and the OSCE Secretariat for their continued support and partnership in advancing regional security.
The OSCE remains committed to providing assistance to Kazakhstan to improve physical security and stockpile management of conventional ammunition, and improve legislation to effectively control SALW and SCA.
