In a strategic move shrouded in speculation, the United States has acquired 81 Soviet-era combat aircraft from Kazakhstan, once a close ally of Russia. These aircraft, relics from the Cold War era, were part of a larger lot of 117 fighter and bomber planes which Kazakhstan had put up for auction due to their obsolete status and the impracticality of modernization. The fleet, including MiG-31 interceptors, MiG-27 fighter bombers, MiG-29 fighters, and Su-24 bombers, originally valued at one billion tenge (approximately $1.5 million), could offer the US both historical insights and tactical advantages.
The Russian English language news site Reporter.RU and the Ukrainian Telegram channel Insider UA reported that these aircraft were purchased through offshore entities, fueling further curiosity about the intentions behind this acquisition. Although the US has not officially disclosed the purpose of this purchase, it is widely speculated that the aircraft could be utilized to supplement Ukraine’s existing fleet, either for spare parts or as decoy targets, in the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Ukraine, which relies heavily on Soviet-era weapons systems, has received significant support from its Western allies, who have previously procured Soviet military equipment to bolster the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU). The similarity between the purchased planes and those currently in service with Ukraine lends credibility to the hypothesis that these aircraft may eventually find their way to Kyiv.
This move comes amidst a noticeable pivot by Kazakhstan towards the West, distancing itself from its historical strategic and military ties with Moscow. Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, in his visit to Germany in 2023, reinforced Astana’s adherence to international sanctions against Russia, while maintaining that Kazakhstan is not “anti-Russia.”
The Kyiv Post analyzed that Kazakhstan’s efforts to update its military capabilities run parallel with its increased engagement with Western nations, marking a shift from its past allegiance to Russia. This transition has been underscored by visits from Western officials, such as the UK Foreign Minister and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who reaffirmed US support for Kazakhstan’s sovereignty and independence.
The procurement of these Soviet-era aircraft at a bargain price – each costing less than $20,000 on average – also reflects the US’s broader strategy to strengthen its tactical capabilities and support its allies. With the aircraft designed for various roles, from air defense to ground attack and all-weather bombing, they embody a slice of aviation history that could provide invaluable operational insights.
One Russian TV commentator, Vladimir Solovyov, said that his country “must pay attention to the fact that Kazakhstan is the next problem because the same Nazi processes can start there as in Ukraine.”
Relevant articles:
– Why Did US Buy Old Soviet Aircraft from Kazakhstan?, kyivpost.com, 04/29/2024
– US buys 81 Soviet-era combat aircraft from Russia’s ally costing on average less than $20,000 each, report says, Business Insider, Sun, 28 Apr 2024 14:51:00 GMT
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