US procures 81 Soviet-era combat aircraft from Kazakhstan with possible transfer to Ukraine – Kyiv Post

The United States has acquired approximately 81 Soviet-era aircraft from Kazakhstan, including MiG–27, MiG–29, and Su–24. It is expected that they may be able to be transferred to Ukraine for utilization.

Kyiv Post reports this.

Over several years, Kazakhstan has gradually replaced its aging fleet of Soviet-made combat aircraft with modern versions, such as the Russian Su-30SM multi-role aircraft.

The country sold at auction 117 Soviet-era fighters and bombers, including:

• MiG-31 interceptors,
• MiG-27 fighter-bombers,
• MiG-29 fighters,
• Su-24 bombers of the 1970s and 1980s.

The price announced was one billion Kazakhstani tenge, equivalent to $2.26 million.

The sales proposal indicated that the airplanes were not usable, modernizing them was not economically viable, and their suitability as a source of spare parts was limited.

"The motive for the US purchase remains undisclosed. However, it is about the possibility of their potential use in Ukraine, where similar aircraft are in service. The sale was carried out offshore," the newspaper writes.

It suggests that, given Ukraine's continued reliance on Soviet-era weapons, the aircraft could serve as a source of spare parts or be strategically deployed as decoys at airfields.

For reference:

In March, the Russian Federation revealed that Kazakhstan was prepared to supply components for Ukraine's Su-24 and MiG-29 aircraft. However, this claim was later refuted.

It is worth mentioning that by the end of 2022, the Croatian government decided to transfer 14 of its Soviet-made Mi–8 helicopters to Ukrainian forces. In May 2023, 9 Mi–8 helicopters departed from Zagreb and arrived on Ukrainian territory.

Australia decided to dismantle and dispose of retired Taipan helicopters instead of sending them to Ukraine.