The Kazakhstan Air Force has officially taken delivery of its first Airbus A400M military transport aircraft, marking a enhancement in the country’s defense capabilities. The Ministry of Defense confirmed the aircraft's arrival in Almaty, highlighting it as a milestone in Kazakhstan’s ongoing modernization of its military assets.
Kazakhstan became the ninth operator of the A400M after placing an order in 2021 for two units of the advanced four-engine turboprop transport. The aircraft is known for its versatility, capable of carrying up to 37 tons of cargo or 116 paratroopers.
It also boasts a maximum range of approximately 5,500 kilometers. Notably, Kazakhstan opted for a configuration without aerial refueling capabilities, a rare choice among A400M operators. The second aircraft is scheduled for delivery in 2026.
The A400M joins Kazakhstan’s fleet alongside Airbus C295 aircraft, which are already in operation with the Air Force and border guard service. The addition of the A400M is expected to further bolster Kazakhstan's strategic and tactical airlift capacities.
Beyond its defense applications, Airbus also maintains a prominent role in Kazakhstan's civil aviation sector. The Airbus A320 family forms the backbone of the fleets operated by Air Astana, the country’s flagship carrier, and its low-cost subsidiary FlyArystan, with over 50 such aircraft in service.
Air Astana's founding shareholder, BAE Systems, a British aerospace and defense firm, underscores the international partnerships supporting Kazakhstan’s aviation sector.
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