The US purchased 81 Soviet-era combat aircraft from Kazakhstan

 

The US has reportedly purchased 81 Soviet-era combat aircraft from Kazakhstan, a historic ally of Russia, at a cost of less than $20,000 each. The aircraft, including MiG-31 interceptors, MiG-27 fighter bombers, MiG-29 fighters, and Su-24 bombers, were acquired through an auction held by Kazakhstan as it upgrades its air fleet.

The sale, reportedly worth $2.26 million, was made through offshore companies, according to the Russian news site Reporter. However, Kazspetsexport, Kazakhstan's state-owned weapons importer and exporter, denied selling military airplanes to Ukraine, stating that foreign companies were not allowed to bid.

The motive behind the US purchase remains undisclosed, but the aircraft could potentially be used in Ukraine, where similar aircraft are still in service. The planes could be used for spare parts or as decoys at airfields, given Ukraine's continued reliance on Soviet-era weapons.

Kazakhstan, formerly part of the Soviet Union, has maintained close ties to Russia but has shifted its allegiance towards the West since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The country's efforts to upgrade its military capabilities seem to coincide with its increasing engagement with Western nations, signaling a shift away from historical ties with Moscow.

The US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, visited Kazakhstan in February 2023, expressing strong support for the country's independence and territorial integrity. Agreements on trade, education, environment, and mineral supplies reflect the deepening ties between Kazakhstan and Western nations as it navigates geopolitical challenges posed by neighboring countries such as Russia, China, Afghanistan, and Iran.

The purchased aircraft include the MiG-31, a supersonic interceptor designed to defend Soviet airspace during the Cold War, and the Su-24, an all-weather tactical bomber still in service with several air forces, including the Russian Aerospace Forces and Ukrainian Air Force.

Some Russian propagandists have suggested that Russia should look to Kazakhstan following its invasion of Ukraine, with one commentator stating that Russia "must pay attention to the fact that Kazakhstan is the next problem because the same Nazi processes can start there as in Ukraine."

The sale of these Soviet-era combat aircraft highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the region, with Kazakhstan seeking to balance its historical ties with Russia against its growing engagement with Western nations. The US purchase of these aircraft, while its motives remain unclear, may be seen as a strategic move to support Ukraine's military capabilities and counter Russian influence in the region.