The exploits of parachuting Kazakh Special Forces military dog Arisha have divided social media after the posting of defence ministry video footage of an airborne exercise.

Arisha, a Belgian Malinois, is seen strapped to a soldier who leaps from an aircraft flown over Almaty. As Azattyq Asia reported on May 13, the video quickly spread online, prompting both admiration and a backlash. Many viewers praised the dog’s training and the professionalism of the military canine unit involved. Others questioned the necessity of involving animals in parachute exercises and expressed concern about the potential stress such operations could cause a dog in military service.

In response to the criticism, the defence ministry defended the parachute training programme, saying the Belgian Malinois is one of the most resilient and capable breeds in the world and is used in military and security operations worldwide.

According to the ministry, such dogs are specifically bred and trained for demanding operational tasks and thrive in active service conditions.