Airbus Finalizes First A400M Aircraft for Kazakhstan’s Armed Forces

15 April, 2024 The first A400M aircraft for Kazakhstan. April 2024. Photo credits: Airbus

Airbus Defense is completing the construction of the first A400M military transport aircraft for Kazakhstan. The company announced that it has already finished applying the identification marks of the Kazakhstan Army. The precise date of the aircraft transfer with the number "21" is still unknown.

The acquisition of A400M will significantly expand the long-distance air transportation capabilities of Kazakhstan. Airbus A400M Atlas is a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft developed by Airbus. Currently, Kazakhstan operates eleven C295 transport aircraft along with an outdated fleet of Soviet-era transport aircraft. The A400M's capability to transport cargo to isolated airstrips in remote areas will be invaluable for enhancing the mobility of the country's armed forces and facilitating emergency relief operations.

In 2021, the Republic of Kazakhstan ordered two military transport aircraft from the European aircraft concern Airbus A400M. The contract provides for a full range of aircraft maintenance.

The first A400M aircraft for Kazakhstan. April 2024.

Photo credits: Airbus

Alongside the agreement, the parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding concerning maintenance and overhaul. It provides, among other things, the creation of a local service center for C295 aircraft.

C-295M of the Air Force of Kazakhstan. Photo credits: Ministry of Defense of Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan will become the 9th operator country of A400M aircraft.

More than 100 aircraft of this type have already been built, and the total package of orders after signing the agreement with Kazakhstan reached 176 units.

The first A400M was transferred to the French PS in the summer of 2013.

Currently, eight countries operate A400M: Germany, Belgium, France, Luxembourg, the United Kingdom, Malaysia, Turkey and Spain.