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US Buys 81 Soviet-Era Combat Aircraft from Russia’s Ally Costing on Average Less Than $20,000 Each

US Buys 81 Soviet-Era Combat Aircraft from Russia's Ally - GlobalCurrent24.com

US Buys 81 Soviet-Era Combat Aircraft from Russia’s Ally, Costing on Average Less Than $20,000 Each, According To Reports

In an unexpected twist, the United States has purchased Soviet-era combat jets from a country near to Russia for a relatively low price.

Each plane cost less than $20,000, which is a very cheap price for the United States military. The US allegedly purchased 81 outdated Soviet-era military planes from Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan wants to rebuild its air fleet, so they placed up for sale 117 Soviet-era fighter and bomber jets, including MiG-31 interceptors, MiG-27 fighter bombers, MiG-29 fighters, and Su-24 bombers from the 1970s and 1980s.

The sale was valued at $2.26 million, with an average of $19,300 per aircraft. According to the Ukrainian Telegram channel Insider UA, the US became interested in these old warplanes and purchased 81 of them.

The reason for the US buying these planes has yet to be revealed. Some speculate that they may be intended for use in Ukraine, where similar aircraft are still in use.

Kazakhstan, a former close ally of Russia but now more aligned with Western interests, is upgrading its air fleet, which will result in the disposal of these outdated aircraft, which are deemed unfit for modern warfare.

The sale, which was carried out through offshore companies, has sparked speculation about the US’s motives, including the possibility of using the aircraft in Ukraine, where similar models are still in service, according to Insider.

According to the Ukrainian Telegram channel Insider UA, the aircraft could be used as spare parts or as strategic decoys at airfields to confuse enemy targets. This comes as Ukraine continues to rely on Soviet-era weapons, which it is integrating with Western technology to strengthen its defenses against Russian aggression.

During the Cold War, the MiG-31, a supersonic interceptor, was critical to Soviet airspace defense. The MiG-27, a derivative of the MiG-23, was primarily used for ground attacks during the Soviet-Afghan War. Because of its prowess in air-to-air combat, the MiG-29 is still in service with several air forces, while the Su-24, an all-weather tactical bomber, is still operational in a number of countries, including the Russian and Ukrainian air forces.

This acquisition highlights the ongoing geopolitical shifts in Central Asia, as well as Kazakhstan’s delicate balance between historical ties to Russia and growing relationships with Western nations.