Kazakhstan adds two more A400Ms
The Republic of Kazakhstan has placed an order for two Airbus A400Ms and becomes the ninth operator of the aircraft. (Photo: Airbus)
Kazakhstan has signed a deal to procure two Airbus A400M aircraft.
The manufacturer revealed on 1 September that the contract includes a complete suite of maintenance and training support.
The new contract will bring the total number of A400M aircraft worldwide to 176, and the latest order enables the Kazakhstan Air Defence Forces to sharpen their ability to respond and engage in any mission rapidly and effectively, according to Airbus.
‘The A400M will become the cornerstone of Kazakhstan’s tactical and strategic airlifting operations’ said Michael Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space.
With more than 100 aircraft delivered and 100,000 flight hours in operation, the A400M has proven its capabilities, reaching a state of maturity that many potential customers were waiting for.’ he added
Airbus also stated that it expects Kazakhstan to place even more orders for this platform in the future.
The country has now become the ninth customer for this platform, joining Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Spain, Turkey and the UK.
No details have been disclosed on the value of the contract, and as Shephard Defence Insight reports, the unit cost for the A400M is not clear.
While figures reported by the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) suggest that each unit is valued at $141 million, this does not align with details provided by customer countries.
For instance, the UK reported in 2015 an overall cost of $188 million per aircraft (at the 2015 exchange rate).
Based on those numbers the overall value of the Kazakhstani deal could swing between $282 million and $376 million.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
India moves to address fighter jet shortfalls amid rising regional pressures
Delays, dwindling squadrons and global competition spur belated momentum in airpower procurement.
-
Hanwha Aerospace and GA-ASI join forces to co-develop UAVs
The $510 million partnership will see Hanwha invest to co-develop and manufacture the Gray Eagle STOL, with a maiden flight test expected by 2027.
-
Colombia confirms Gripen E/F buy, final negotiations still underway
The country was reportedly “months” away from an official aircraft selection, as of mid-March 2025.
-
Portugal joins Embraer and Brazil on C-390 ISR capabilities study
The ongoing study was first announced by Embraer in late 2024 with the Brazilian Air Force, with this latest addition announced during the LAAD defence and security exhibition.
-
Philippines approved for potential $5.5 billion F-16 aircraft purchase
The potential sale, approved by the US to the Philippines, is for 20 F-16 Block 70/72 jets, days after US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth visited the country.
-
Sweden commits to acquire four C-390 Millennium aircraft
The acquisition of four C-390 aircraft follows the country’s signing of an MoU in 2023 and formal selection in 2024. It will join the existing contract held by the Netherlands and Austria.