A former Soviet state and a key member of the Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), Kazakhstan has inducted its first A-400M Atlas military transport aircraft, manufactured by Airbus, as it diversifies its military purchases.
The Ministry of Defense (MoD) of the Republic of Kazakhstan announced the induction on social media site X (formerly Twitter) on December 5. With the induction, Kazakhstan becomes the ninth operator of the A-400M after Germany, France, Spain, the UK, Turkey, Belgium, Luxembourg, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
“The Air Force’s flight fleet has been replenished with the A-400M military transport aircraft. In Almaty, Minister of Defense Colonel General Ruslan Zhaksylykov personally congratulated the aviators of the Armed Forces and guests of the event on this event,” the Kazakh MoD wrote in the post.
Kazakhstan placed the order for two A-400M Atlas aircraft in 2021, ahead of the Ukraine war. “The A400M will become the cornerstone of Kazakhstan’s tactical and strategic airlifting operations,” Michael Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space, said at the time of announcing the contract in 2021.
The aircraft produced for Kazakhstan was rolled out at Airbus Defence and Space facilities in Spain in April this year and sported a glossy grey livery. Then, in June, the aircraft took its maiden flight at the Seville production facility in Spain. At the time, the aircraft flew for about five hours and had its engine and other systems tested.
Like several former Soviet states, Kazakhstan has traditionally operated Russian weaponry. However, in recent years, it has been diversifying its arms purchases, buying equipment from countries like Spain, Turkey, and South Africa.
While the country is still heavily reliant on Russia, it has been forced to explore other options owing to delivery delays and for fear of keeping all its eggs in the same basket amid geopolitical uncertainties. Earlier, in 2017, the Central Asian country purchased C295 military airlifters from Airbus.
Given that it shares a 4,500-mile border with Russia, Kazakhstan is a close ally of Moscow and a crucial member of the CSTO. While some experts have alleged that there has been some internal bickering and rift between the two countries, that may not be entirely true.
For instance, while trying to balance ties with Russia and the West, Kazakhstan has remained a loyal Russian ally. Previous reports indicated that although the country was offered the French Rafale, it decided to go with an additional Su-30 instead. It received six new Su-30SM multirole fighters earlier this year. The Kazakh Air Force currently operates 24 Su-27s, 43 Su-30s, 14 MiG-29s, 31 MiG-31s, and 14 Su-25s—all of which are Russian fighter jets.
The addition of an advanced military transport aircraft, like the Atlas, is nonetheless significant and will bolster the country’s combat power while also allowing it to diversify its air fleet and project itself as a country with a policy independent of Russia.
A-400M Atlas Aircraft
The A-400M Atlas is a European four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft manufactured by Airbus. A tactical heavy lifter with strategic capabilities, the Atlas was designed to replace more traditional transport aircraft like the Lockheed C-130 Hercules and the Transall C-160.
In terms of size, the A400M falls between the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III and the C-130. It can carry cargo heavier than that of the C-130. When equipped with the proper gear, the A400M can transport and carry out aerial refueling and medical evacuation.
More than 30 percent of the airplane’s structure is made of composite materials. The aircraft boasts a maximum range of 3,300 kilometers with a maximum payload and 4,500 kilometers with a 30-ton payload. Its carrying capacity is 37 tons. The tactical takeoff distance is 980 meters, and it can operate from short, unpaved airstrips.
Earlier this year, the German Air Force announced the successful completion of in-flight refueling between two of its A400M aircraft. Airbus, the manufacturer of the A400M, lauded the aircraft as the most advanced, proven, and certified heavy lifter available, boasting state-of-the-art technologies tailored to meet the evolving needs of modern armed forces.
With additional cargo hold tanks that can hold 7,200 liters apiece, the A400M’s basic fuel capacity of 63,500 liters can be increased. The hose and drum unit (HDU) can refuel the A400M at a rate of 2,000 liters per minute, greatly increasing its operational range. With a maximum capacity of 116 passengers, the A400M can support a range of transport operations, including the airdropping of soldiers and supplies.
The Turkish and French Air Forces have also used the A400M in Afghanistan. It has participated in air operations in the Middle East over Syria and Iraq. The A400M has also participated in operations in the larger African Sahel region and the Central African Republic. Its capabilities have proved crucial for moving humanitarian goods, personnel, and equipment.
In 2022, the A400M proved that it could support unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) as an airborne launcher. An A400M has demonstrated its capacity to air-launch drones by launching a drone from its open rear cargo ramp door while in the air. By connecting to drones, the A400M enables manned-unmanned teaming.
The aircraft would, thus, significantly improve Kazakhstan’s military transport capability.
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