- The United States has purchased 81 Soviet-era fighter jets from Kazakhstan, the Kyiv Post reported.
- Kazakhstan, a historic ally of Russia, is increasing its engagement with Western countries.
- The paper said the planes could be used as spare parts or deployed as decoys in conflict areas.
According to a report in the Kyiv Post, the United States has acquired 81 Soviet-era fighter jets from Kazakhstan.
Kazakhstan, which is in the process of upgrading its air force, is upgrading its Soviet-era fighters and bombers from the 1970s and 1980s, including MiG-31 interceptors, MiG-27 fighter-bombers, MiG-29 fighters, and Su-24 bombers. 117 aircraft were auctioned.
The reported sale price was 1 billion Kazakh tenge, or $2.26 million, equivalent to an average price of $19,300 per plane, the paper said.
According to the newspaper, the U.S. has purchased 81 obsolete and unusable fighter jets, according to the Ukrainian telegram channel Insider UA.
The newspaper reported that the motives for the US purchase remained unclear, but it was now likely that it would be used in Ukraine, where similar aircraft are in service.
The Russian-English news site Reporter said the sale was carried out through an offshore company.
Given Ukraine's continued dependence on Soviet-era weapons, the aircraft could serve as a source of spare parts or be strategically deployed as an airfield decoy, the newspaper said.
According to Air Force Technology, the Mikoyan MiG-31 was a supersonic interceptor designed to protect Soviet airspace. It played an important role during the Cold War.
The MiG-27, derived from the MiG-23, is a ground attack aircraft that saw action in conflicts such as the Soviet-Afghan War. The MiG-29 excelled in air-to-air combat. Widely exported and used by some air forces.
Despite its age, the Su-24, an all-weather tactical bomber, remains in service with several air forces, including the Russian Aerospace Forces and the Ukrainian Air Force.
Kazakhstan is part of the former Soviet Union, maintains close ties with Russia, and has historically been one of Russia's strongest allies. But relations have changed since Russia invaded Ukraine, with Kazakhstan increasingly aligning itself with the West, angering some in Russia.
According to an analysis by the Kyiv Post, the Central Asian country's efforts to improve its military power coincide with increased engagement with the West and mark a shift away from its historical relationship with Moscow.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Kazakhstan in March 2023 and said the United States strongly supports its “independence and territorial integrity,” according to AFP news agency.
Some outspoken Russian propagandists have suggested that Russia should turn its attention to Kazakhstan in the wake of the invasion of Ukraine.
One Russian TV commentator, Vladimir Solovyov, said the country “must pay attention to the fact that Kazakhstan is the next problem, because the same Nazi process as in Ukraine could start there.” Stated.
The agreements on trade, education, environment and mineral supplies reflect Kazakhstan's deepening ties with the West as it navigates geopolitical challenges posed by neighboring countries such as Russia, China, Afghanistan and Iran.
Correction: April 28, 2024 — A previous version of this article incorrectly listed the currency conversion rate for the Kazakhstani tenge against the dollar. 1 billion tenge is worth $2.26 million, not $1.5 million.
