The US has acquired 81 outdated Soviet-era combat aircraft from Kazakhstan, as reported by the Kyiv Post.
Kazakhstan, in the process of modernizing its air fleet, sold off 117 Soviet-era fighter and bomber aircraft, which included MiG-31 interceptors, MiG-27 fighter bombers, MiG-29 fighters, and Su-24 bombers dating back to the 1970s and 1980s.
According to the Kyiv Post, the stated sale price was one billion Kazakhstani tenge, equivalent to $2.26 million, resulting in an average cost of $19,300 per aircraft.
Kazakhstan, which is upgrading its air fleet, auctioned off 117 Soviet-era fighter and bomber aircraft, including MiG-31 interceptors, MiG-27 fighter bombers, MiG-29 fighters, and Su-24 bombers from the 1970s and 1980s. The declared sale value was one billion Kazakhstani tenge, said the Post, or $2.26 million, equalling an average value for each plane of $19,300.
The exact reasons behind the US purchase have not been officially disclosed, but it raised the possibility of their use in Ukraine, where similar aircraft are in service. However, there is growing speculation that these aircraft could provide a valuable source of spare parts or even serve as decoys in conflict regions where similar models are still in operation, such as Ukraine.
The aircraft, which have served in various conflicts from the Cold War to the Soviet-Afghan War, are now aged relics of a bygone era. Despite its age, the Su-24 — an all-weather tactical bomber — remains in service with several air forces, including the Russian Aerospace Forces and Ukrainian Air Force.
Previously Ukraine’s Western allies had purchased or transferred a plethora of Soviet military equipment to support and supplement the weaponry already held by the AFU.
It also seems that Kazakhstan is increasing its ties with Western nations and is attempting to reduce the historic strategic and military links with Moscow, with visits to and from Astana by politicians from countries considered unfriendly to the Russian Federation.
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s recent visit to Germany in 2023 and the diplomatic engagements with Western nations, including a visit from then-UK Foreign Minister David Cameron and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken..
This growing cooperation between Kazakhstan and Western countries has not gone unnoticed by Russian propagandists. 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:
– US buys 81 Soviet-era combat aircraft from Russia’s ally for less than $20,000 each, report says, businessinsider.com, 04/29/2024
– Why Did US Buy Old Soviet Aircraft from Kazakhstan?, Kyiv Post, Sun, 28 Apr 2024 07:01:28 GMT
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