In the current geopolitical context, US moves may sometimes appear cryptic and incomprehensible, but they rarely lack a well-defined strategy. The acquisition of 81 obsolete Soviet military aircraft from Kazakhstan (Russia’s historic ally) is one such case. The news of the purchase was reported by the Kyiv Post, according to which Kazakhstan would have sold these units for a total of approximately 2.26 million dollars, with an average cost of 19,300 dollars per plane, to the USA who acquired them through offshore company. The main question that arises is: why has the United States invested in these dated and seemingly useless war machines?
Ukraine
There are many theories, but they mainly focus on the hypothesis that these planes could be used to support Ukraine in the ongoing conflict with Russia.
As Ukraine is still dependent on Soviet-era weapons, these planes could be exploited to obtain essential spare parts or even as “bait” to mislead enemy forces. Among the aircraft in question there would be the Mikoyan MiG-31 (a supersonic interceptor), the Mig-27 (which was used mainly in Afghanistan) and the Su-24 (a tactical bomber also supplied to the Ukrainian air force).
Deteriorated relations between Russia and Kazakhstan
The purchase of these planes can also be seen as a simple strategy in the larger power play involving Kazakhstan and its changed relationship with Russia. Historically, Kazakhstan has been one of the pillars of Russian influence in Central Asia. However, recent developments (Moscow’s aggression against Ukraine) have led to a drift between the two countries. Astana has sought to improve its military capabilities and forge closer ties with the West, as highlighted by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit last year, in which America’s strong support for independence and territorial integrity of Kazakhstan. These geopolitical changes have not gone unnoticed in Russia, where commentators such as Vladimir Solovyov, a journalist very close to Vladimir Putin, have explicitly mentioned Kazakhstan as a potential “next problem” after Ukraine, due to growing affinities with the West.
© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
: here’s why){kind=link}