Significant leadership changes have taken place within the defense sector of Uzbekistan. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has signed an official decree appointing Botir Kudratkhodjaev to the position of Minister of Defense. This appointment followed the formal approval of his candidacy by the deputies of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis.

In this role, Kudratkhodjaev succeeds Shukhrat Kholmukhamedov, who was reportedly relieved of his duties due to a transition to another assignment. Kholmukhamedov had been heading the Ministry of Defense since November 2024, highlighting the ongoing personnel turnover within the nation's security apparatus.

Prior to taking over the defense portfolio, Kudratkhodjaev accumulated extensive experience across various high-ranking security and law enforcement positions. Most recently, he served as the First Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs and Head of the Operational-Search Department. Before that, he was appointed to lead the Ministry of Emergency Situations in February 2025.

His extensive career background also includes numerous prominent roles within the prosecutor's office system. Over the years, Kudratkhodjaev has worked as the Deputy Prosecutor General and Military Prosecutor of Uzbekistan, served as the prosecutor for the Khorezm and Surkhandarya regions, as well as the city of Tashkent, and managed the Compulsory Enforcement Bureau under the Prosecutor General's Office.

Source: podrobno.uz