US purchases 81 Soviet combat aircraft from Kazakhstan, likely to be provided to Ukraine — media

The Kyiv Post reported the information.

It noted that for several years, Kazakhstan has been gradually replacing its outdated fleet of Soviet-made combat aircraft with modern versions, such as the Russian Su-30SM multipurpose aircraft.

The country auctioned off 117 Soviet-era fighters and bombers, including MiG-31 interceptors, MiG-27 fighter-bombers, MiG-29 fighters, and Su-24 bombers from the 1970s and 1980s. The announced sale price was one billion Kazakhstani tenge, or $2.26 million.

The sale offer stated that the aircraft were in poor condition, their modernization was considered economically inexpedient, and their use as a source of spare parts was limited.

"The reason for the purchase was not declared but speculation has grown that, as the aircraft types are all in service with Ukraine, it is likely they will eventually be transferred to Kyiv," the outlet writes.

The purchase was reportedly made through offshore entities.

The outlet suggests that, given that Ukraine continues to rely on Soviet-era weapons, the aircraft could serve as a source of spare parts or be strategically deployed as a decoy at airfields.

• Back in March, Russia claimed that Kazakhstan was ready to sell Ukraine components for Su-24 and MiG-29 aircraft, but this report was denied.