Summary: The United States has purchased 81 Soviet-era combat aircraft from Kazakhstan, a deal that includes MiG-31 interceptors, MiG-27 and MiG-29 fighters, and Su-24 bombers, all from the Cold War era.

-The acquisition, worth approximately $2.26 million, is part of Kazakhstan's efforts to modernize its fleet. The exact use of these aircraft by the U.S. is uncertain, with possibilities ranging from museum displays to training tools for U.S. and allied pilots.

-Some aircraft could also support Ukraine by serving as spare parts suppliers or decoys. This sale highlights a shift in Kazakhstan's alignment from Russia towards the West, especially in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

America Just Purchased MiG-29 and other Russian Fighter Jets and Bombers 

The United States has reportedly acquired 81 outdated Soviet-era combat aircraft from close Russian ally Kazakhstan, in a deal worth around 1 billion Kazakhstani tenge ($2.26 million). The Central Asian country sold 117 Cold War fighter and bomber aircraft as it looks to modernize its air fleet.

The aircraft include MiG-31 interceptors, MiG-27 fighter bombers, MiG-29 fighters, and Su-24 bombers, all reportedly dating from the 1970s and 1980s.

Exactly what the U.S. will do with the aircraft, which were purchased via offshore companies, remains unclear, especially as it is unlikely all of the planes are even airworthy. Some could end up in various museums – notably the National Museum of the United States Air Force, which maintains a large collection of Cold War aircraft. It is not believed to have a MiG-27, MiG-31, or Su-24.

It is also possible that some of the planes could be employed in an adversarial role to train U.S. and allied pilots. Others may still be fit for service or at least as providers of spare parts and could be donated to Ukraine, which continues to rely on Soviet-era weapons. The aging planes could also be used as decoys at Ukrainian airbases.

As Business Insider reported, Kazakhstan, formerly part of the Soviet Union, had maintained close ties to Russia and historically was one of its strongest allies. However, the relationship has shifted since Russia invaded Ukraine, with Kazakhstan aligning itself more with the West. That has drawn the fury of some in Russia, and the sale of the aircraft to the U.S. won't likely help matters.

Russian Air Force: Old Warbirds in the Crosshairs

The MiG-31 continues to be a pivotal component of the Russian Aerospace Forces despite its age, thanks to significant upgrades over the years.

Described as the "fastest operational combat aircraft in the world," the Mikoyan MiG-31 (NATO reporting name Foxhound) has been in service for more than four decades. The long-range supersonic aircraft maintains a certain mystique in the West, with much speculation continuing about its capabilities. It was designed to work efficiently in all weather conditions, while its highly aerodynamic and streamlined body enabled it to fly at low altitudes with supersonic speeds.

The Mikoyan MiG-27 (NATO reporting name: Flogger-D/J) is a variable-sweep ground-attack aircraft. The Mig-27 was originally built by the Mikoyan-Gurevich design bureau in the Soviet Union and later license-produced in India by Hindustan Aeronautics as the Bahadur ("Valiant"). It was based on the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23 fighter aircraft, but optimized for air-to-ground attack.

Considered one of the most capable Eastern Bloc fighters of the late Cold War period, the Mikoyan MiG-29 (NATO reporting name Fulcrum) is a highly respected jet. Developed by the Soviet Union in response to increasingly sophisticated Western warplanes, the MiG-29 earned a reputation as an agile dogfighter. It entered service as a light counterpart to the heavyweight Sukhoi Su-27 (NATO reporting name "Flanker").

The Sukhoi Su-24 (NATO reporting name Fencer) was developed during the 1960s. It features a variable-sweep wing, twin engines, and a side-by-side seating arrangement for its two-person crew, and it was the first Soviet aircraft designed to utilize an integrated digital navigation/attack system. The Cold War-era tactical bomber has a maximum speed of 1,000 miles per hour and a range of roughly 370 miles at altitude. In addition to its 23mm GSh-6-23M cannon, the Su-24 has eight hardpoints that can carry a combination of guided air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles, unguided rockets, and freefall bombs. The Fencer is also nuclear-capable.

Author Experience and Expertise: Peter Suciu 

Peter Suciu is a Michigan-based writer. He has contributed to more than four dozen magazines, newspapers, and websites with over 3,200 published pieces over a twenty-year career in journalism. He regularly writes about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity, politics, and international affairs. Peter is also a Contributing Writer for Forbes and Clearance Jobs. You can follow him on Twitter: @PeterSuciu. You can email the author: [email protected]. 

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