US buys Soviet-era combat aircraft from Russia's ally in less than $20,000 per unit

The United States has reportedly procured 81 outdated Soviet-era combat aircraft from Kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan, in its effort to modernise its air fleet, auctioned off a total of 117 Soviet-era fighter and bomber aircraft, including MiG-31 interceptors, MiG-27 fighter bombers, MiG-29 fighters, and Su-24 bombers from the 1970s and 1980s, Kyiv Post reported.

The sale, with a declared value of one billion Kazakhstani tenge or $2.26 million, averaging $19,300 per aircraft, attracted the interest of the US, which purchased 81 of the aging warplanes, as reported by the Ukrainian Telegram channel Insider UA.

The purpose behind the US acquisition remains undisclosed, but speculation suggests potential deployment in Ukraine, where similar aircraft are still in service.

Reportedly facilitated through offshore companies, the sale piques interest given Ukraine’s reliance on Soviet-era weaponry. The acquired aircraft could serve as a source of spare parts or strategically deployed as decoys at airfields, according to the Kyiv Post’s analysis.

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Among the aircraft acquired, the Mikoyan MiG-31, known as a supersonic interceptor crucial for defending Soviet airspace during the Cold War, stands out. The MiG-27, derived from the MiG-23, served as a ground-attack aircraft, while the MiG-29 excelled in air-to-air combat and remains operational in some air forces. The Su-24, an all-weather tactical bomber, despite its age, continues to serve in various air forces, including the Russian Aerospace Forces and Ukrainian Air Force.

Historically, Kazakhstan has maintained strong ties with Russia, its former Soviet ally. However, geopolitical shifts, particularly since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, have seen Kazakhstan aligning more closely with Western nations, drawing criticism from some quarters in Russia.

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As Kazakhstan upgrades its military capabilities, its growing engagement with Western nations signals a departure from its historical ties with Moscow. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to Kazakhstan in March 2023 underscored US support for its independence and territorial integrity.

The evolving relationship between Kazakhstan and Western nations, characterised by agreements on trade, education, environment, and mineral supplies, reflects the country’s navigation of geopolitical challenges posed by neighboring countries such as Russia, China, Afghanistan, and Iran.