US Acquires Obsolete Soviet-Era Combat Aircraft from Kazakhstan

The United States has purchased 81 Soviet-era combat aircraft from Kazakhstan, a former Soviet republic and historical ally of Russia, for a mere $2.26 million. The planes, which include MiG-31 interceptors, MiG-27 fighter-bombers, MiG-29 fighters, and Su-24 bombers, date back to the 1970s and 1980s and are considered unusable and economically unviable for modernization.

Why this matters: This acquisition highlights the ongoing efforts of the US to bolster Ukraine's military capabilities in the face of Russian aggression, and emphasizes the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the region. The sale also signals Kazakhstan's shift towards the West, potentially leading to a re-evaluation of its relationships with Russia and the global community. The sale also signals Kazakhstan's shift towards the West, potentially leading to a re-evaluation of its relationships with Russia and the global community.

The motive behind the US acquisition remains undisclosed, but speculation suggests that the aircraft could be deployed in Ukraine, where similar planes are currently in service. The obsolete aircraft could potentially serve as a source of spare parts or be strategically positioned as decoys at airfields to deceive Russian forces.

Kazakhstan, which gained independence following the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, has maintained close ties with Russia but has been shifting its allegiance towards the West since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The country's efforts to modernize its military capabilities seem to coincide with its increasing engagement with Western nations, signaling a departure from its historical ties with Moscow.

The declared sale value of the 81 aircraft was 1 billion Kazakhstani tenge, equivalent to $2.26 million, with an average price of just $19,300 per plane. The purchase was reportedly made through offshore companies, according to the Russian news site Reporter. Kazakhstan's state-owned weapons importer and exporter, Kazspetsexport, denied selling any military airplanes to Ukraine. The Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the acquisition.

Kazakhstan's shift towards the West has drawn the ire of some in Russia, with propagandists suggesting that Russia should set its sights on Kazakhstan following its invasion of Ukraine. In a show of support for Kazakhstan's independence and territorial integrity, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited the country in February 2023.

The acquisition of the Soviet-era aircraft comes during a time when the Russian Air Force faces significant setbacks in its ongoing conflict in Ukraine, having suffered substantial losses, including several advanced Su-35 fighter jets. The US has been providing military aid to Ukraine, including F-16 fighter jets, to bolster its capabilities in the face of Russian aggression.

While the specific intentions behind the US purchase of the obsolete Kazakh aircraft remain unclear, the move highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the region. As Kazakhstan balances its relationships with both Russia and the West, the sale of its Soviet-era military assets to the US marks a significant shift in the country's strategic alignment.

Key Takeaways

• US buys 81 Soviet-era combat aircraft from Kazakhstan for $2.26 million.
• Aircraft include MiG-31, MiG-27, MiG-29, and Su-24 models, dating back to 1970s-80s.
• Kazakhstan's sale signals shift towards West, away from Russia.
• US motive unclear, but aircraft may be used in Ukraine or as spare parts.
• Deal highlights complex geopolitics in region, with Kazakhstan balancing Russia and West ties.