Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has officially ratified a protocol introducing amendments to the intergovernmental agreement between Kazakhstan and Russia concerning the Baiterek space rocket complex at the Baikonur Cosmodrome. This significant development was confirmed by the Kazakh leader`s official channels.
The original accord, which focused on the establishment of the Baiterek space rocket complex at the Baikonur Cosmodrome, was initially signed on December 22, 2004.
Russia currently operates the Baikonur facility under a lease agreement with Kazakhstan. In August 2018, during the “Army-2018” international military-technical forum, both nations formalized a new agreement to specifically develop the Baiterek launch complex. This facility is intended for the next-generation medium-class Soyuz-5 rocket. Under the terms of this partnership, Kazakhstan is responsible for enhancing the ground infrastructure through the modernization of the Zenit-M launch complex. Simultaneously, Russia is focused on the design and development of the Soyuz-5 and Soyuz-6 carrier rockets, which are planned for future launches from this modernized site.
According to information released by the Roscosmos State Corporation in May 2025, substantial progress is being made. Factory tests for components of both the technical and launch complexes are actively underway. Furthermore, individual parts of the Soyuz-5 launch vehicle are undergoing rigorous testing, while construction and installation efforts to upgrade the ground infrastructure are continuing. The commencement of flight tests for the Soyuz-5 launch vehicle from the Baiterek space rocket complex is anticipated by the end of 2025.
Rupert Blackwood 
Clement Ashworth