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Tengrinews.kz – The issue of funding for anti-drone systems to protect thermal power plants (TPPs) in Astana was discussed at the city’s maslikhat (local parliament).
Deputy Azamat Aytkhodzhin reminded the assembly that on May 22, the anti-terrorism commission adopted a resolution on the necessity of purchasing anti-drone systems. However, the question of funding remains unresolved.
"Today, the issue is urgent for TPPs. These are strategically important facilities. The cost of one anti-drone is about 20 million tenge. Some TPPs may need two, others four, six, or eight drones. But in the end, we shouldn't take the money from the budget. These companies have their own shareholders – they should purchase and equip them. This issue needs special control," Aytkhodzhin said.
Deputy Akim (Mayor) of Astana, Nurlan Nurchenov, agreed with the deputy's position, emphasizing that companies should rely on their own resources.
"I think you need to rely on your own resources. There are possibilities, everything can be solved within the framework of the enterprises' local budgets. I will ask you to consider this issue using the company's funds," said Nurchenov.
Nurlan Kupeshov, head of the Astana Energy Department, explained that the issue is being worked on but the process is lengthy. Financial and economic justifications and expert evaluations need to be completed.
"We are working on this, but the mechanism is slow. We are a joint-stock company, not a state-run enterprise. So the money is still in limbo – we need to prepare the financial-economic justification and go through the expertise. This process takes time. We are working with the economy department on this," Kupeshov said.
Anti-drone systems are essential for protecting TPPs, as they are critical infrastructure. Their operation directly affects the power supply to cities, and thus the safety and well-being of hundreds of thousands of people.
The purchase of anti-drones solves several tasks:
- Protection from unauthorized penetration: even a small commercial drone can damage equipment if it collides;
- Reducing the risk of technological accidents: a drone attack or collision with TPP equipment can lead to a fire or accident, causing mass power and heating outages;
- Ensuring cyber and information security: drones can secretly film strategic facilities, transmitting data to third parties.
Earlier in Kazakhstan, there were proposals to tighten criminal liability for the illegal assembly and use of drones.
