Kazakhstan Sells Its Soviet-Era Aircraft to the U.S.

It has been reported by both Russian and Ukrainian media that Kazakhstan has sold 81 combat aircraft from the USSR period. The reports indicate that the aircraft to be sold include MiG-27 strike aircraft, MiG-29 fighters, and Su-24 interdictor aircraft. MiG-27 is a derivative of MiG-23 fighter jet with various design changes to ease maintenance and operation from poor-quality airfields. The aircraft retains variable-sweep wings, providing higher performance at both high and low speeds. MiG-27 has been integrated with dumb-fire/guided bombs or rockets, as well as cruise missiles. MiG-29 is Russia’s lightweight fighter jet and has been in service with Russia and many ex-Soviet states. The Ukrainian Air Force actively uses fighter jets against air and ground targets. Western munitions, including AGM-88 anti-radiation missiles, JDAM, and AASM-250 guided bombs, have been integrated into Ukrainian MiG-29s. Su-24, another air-to-surface focused aircraft, has a variable-sweep wing design albeit slower than MiG-27. Like MiG-29, the aircraft is actively used by Ukrainian forces. Su-24 is particularly known for its usage in stand-off strikes against critical Russian assets thanks to the integration of SCALP and Storm Shadow cruise missiles. Two of the aircraft already being utilised by Ukraine raise questions about possible plans to provide Ukraine with aircraft its pilots are familiar with. Additionally, efforts to provide older models of F-16 fighter jets continue with Ukrainian pilots proceeding with their training. This development is also a part of countries operating Russian aircraft, which are gradually moving away from Russian technology. Similar examples can be observed in Serbia and India, and the latter preferred to buy Rafale fighters instead of MiG-29K as the new carrier-based fighter. What will Kazakhstan put in place of its decommissioned combat aircraft remains to be seen.