Kazakh Air Defense Forces

The Kazakhstan Air Force, established on August 7, 1992, is the aerial warfare branch of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Kazakhstan. It traces its roots back to the Soviet era, when it was part of the Soviet Air Forces. Currently, the air force operates under the command of the Ministry of Defense and is primarily responsible for the defense of Kazakhstan's airspace. It is organized into several units, including fighter, attack, transport, and helicopter aviation. The air force operates a variety of aircraft, including Sukhoi Su-27, Su-30, and MiG-31 fighters, Su-24 attack aircraft, and MiG-29 trainers. It also maintains a fleet of transport planes, including the C-130 Hercules and An-72. Additionally, the air force operates various types of helicopters, such as the Mi-8 and Mi-24. The main tasks of the air force include air defense, military transport, aerial reconnaissance, and search and rescue operations. It has participated in joint exercises and provides air support to ground forces during domestic and international operations.

Key facts

Official Name	Kazakh Air Defense Forces
Local Name	Қазақстанның Әуе күштері (Qazaqstannıñ Äwe küşteri)
Country	🇰🇿 Kazakhstan
World rank	#42
Active aircrafts	239 (as of 2024)
Aircrafts on order	60
Roundel

Number of active aircrafts by type

Aircraft type	Active
Combat aircrafts	120
Helicopters	75
Training	25
Transport	19

Aircrafts most used by Kazakhstani air forces

Aircraft	Active	Type
Mi-8 Hip	49	Soviet multipurpose helicopter, prevalent during the Cold War, extensively utilized for transport, combat and humanitarian operations globally.
Su-27 Flanker	41	Soviet-originated multirole fighter, distinguished for deployments during the Cold War, globally utilized in air superiority missions.
MiG-29 Fulcrum	23	Soviet twin-engine fighter jet, notable in late Cold War clashes, widely exported and integral to various aerial engagements globally.
Mi-24 Hind	22	Soviet attack helicopter, renowned for Cold War use, predominantly deployed for airborne assault, close combat, and anti-armour roles.
MiG-31 Foxhound	20	Soviet interceptor jet, famed for its Cold War period deployment, primarily used for high-speed, high-altitude defensive missions.
L-39 Albatros	18	Czech training jet, operational since the Cold War, deployed worldwide for various military aviation roles.
Su-25 Frogfoot	14	Soviet close air support aircraft, prominent during Afghan War, designed for ground targets engagement under heavy fire conditions.
Su-24 Fencer	13	Soviet strike/bomber, distinctively recognized in Afghanistan conflicts during the Cold War, extensively served in post-Soviet states and naval aviation.
MiG-27 Flogger	12	Soviet ground-attack aircraft, prominent for its use in the Afghan War, optimized for air-to-ground operations.
C-295 Persuader	8	Spanish tactical military transport aircraft, utilized globally in maritime patrol, surveillance, and humanitarian relief missions since the late 20th century.

Full inventory in 2024

Kazakhstan Air Force

Aircraft Type	Model	Active	Ordered
Combat aircrafts	Su-27/30
	MiG-23
	MiG-29
	MiG-31
	Su-25
	Su-24
	MiG-27
Helicopters	Mi-8/17
	Mi-24/35
	Mi-26
	H145
	UH-1H
	H225M
Training	Su-27
	MiG-29
	L-39
	Zlin 242
Transport	C295
	An-24/26
	A400M
	An-12
	An-72