In a move shrouded in secrecy, the United States has reportedly purchased 81 obsolete Soviet-era combat aircraft from Kazakhstan.
While the exact purpose of the acquisition remains unclear, the deal highlights Kazakhstan’s growing distance from Russia and its attempts to modernize its military with Western alternatives.
Auction of Obsolete Aircraft by Kazakhstan
According to the Kyiv Post and other reports, Kazakhstan auctioned off 117 MiG-27 fighter-bombers, MiG-29 fighters, and Su-24 bombers in October 2022.
These aircraft, produced in the 1970s and 1980s, were deemed unusable by Kazakhstan as they underwent a modernization program favoring advanced Russian models like the Su-30SM.
The MiG-27, estimated at a value of around $2 million per unit in functioning condition according to Airforce Technology, was a workhorse during the Soviet-Afghan War but is considered outdated compared to modern fighters.
The MiG-29, valued at roughly $8 million per unit when operational, remains a capable dogfighter in some air forces, while the Su-24, priced around $15 million per unit in working order, is a proven all-weather bomber.
In a move shrouded in secrecy, the United States has reportedly purchased 81 obsolete Soviet-era combat aircraft from Kazakhstan.
While the exact purpose of the acquisition remains unclear, the deal highlights Kazakhstan’s growing distance from Russia and its attempts to modernize its military with Western alternatives.
Auction of Obsolete Aircraft by Kazakhstan
According to the Kyiv Post and other reports, Kazakhstan auctioned off 117 MiG-27 fighter-bombers, MiG-29 fighters, and Su-24 bombers in October 2022.
These aircraft, produced in the 1970s and 1980s, were deemed unusable by Kazakhstan as they underwent a modernization program favoring advanced Russian models like the Su-30SM.
The MiG-27, estimated at a value of around $2 million per unit in functioning condition according to Airforce Technology, was a workhorse during the Soviet-Afghan War but is considered outdated compared to modern fighters.
The MiG-29, valued at roughly $8 million per unit when operational, remains a capable dogfighter in some air forces, while the Su-24, priced around $15 million per unit in working order, is a proven all-weather bomber.
The auction, with a declared value of a billion Kazakhstani tenge or a mere $2.26 million, raised eyebrows due to the low price and the aircraft’s supposed inoperable state.
However, further reports by Reporter.RU and Insider UA claimed the US purchased a significant portion (81 units) through offshore companies.
Speculation on US Motive and Potential Uses
The silence surrounding the purchase has fueled speculation about the intended use of the aircraft.
One theory suggests the US might be supplying spare parts to Ukraine, which heavily relies on similar Soviet-era aircraft for its ongoing conflict with Russia. Disassembling these planes could provide a much-needed source of components to keep Ukraine’s air force operational.
A MiG-29 Fulcrum of the Ukrainian Air Force takes off, 2018. (Image source: Wikimedia Commons)
Another possibility is that the US intends to use the aircraft as decoys. By strategically placing them on airfields, they could potentially confuse or mislead Russian forces.
This tactic has been employed in the past by various militaries, and the outdated Soviet designs might make them believable targets. Inflatable replicas of aircraft are sometimes used for this purpose, but real aircraft, even if inoperable, could offer a more convincing deception.
Kazakhstan’s Shifting Geopolitical Landscape
While the exact purpose remains unconfirmed, the deal seems to be part of a larger geopolitical shift.
Kazakhstan, which shares a lengthy border with Russia, has historically maintained close ties with its northern neighbor.
However, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has strained their relationship.
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has publicly supported sanctions against Russia while seeking closer ties with Western nations.
This recent purchase further underlines Kazakhstan’s desire to diversify its military partnerships.
The country has been in talks with Western manufacturers to acquire new combat aircraft, reducing its reliance on Russian technology.
The UK recently sent Foreign Minister David Cameron to Astana, Kazakhstan’s capital, to discuss trade, education, and mineral supplies.
This visit highlights the West’s willingness to engage with Kazakhstan as it distances itself from Russia.
A Symbol of Shifting Alliances
The US acquisition of Soviet-era aircraft, regardless of its purpose, reflects the current geopolitical climate.
While the immediate use of these planes remains unclear, the deal serves as a symbol of Kazakhstan’s evolving strategic priorities and the complex web of alliances that are being reshaped in the wake of the Ukraine conflict.
Uncle Sam may be aiming to bolster Ukrainian forces indirectly or develop a new military application for these outdated aircraft.
Kazakhstan, meanwhile, is using this opportunity to move away from its traditional dependence on Russia and forge new partnerships with the West.
The coming months may reveal the true purpose behind this unusual acquisition and its wider implications for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the regional balance of power.
