Kazakhstan Receives First Airbus A400M Atlas Military Transport Aircraft
Kazakhstan has officially received the first of two Airbus A400M Atlas military transport aircraft it ordered from Airbus Defence and Space in 2021. With this delivery, Kazakhstan became the ninth country to use this advanced aircraft type, following Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Spain, Turkey, Belgium, Malaysia, and Luxembourg.
The Airbus A400M Atlas is a four-engine transport aircraft capable of carrying strategic cargo, delivering to unprepared airfields, and acting as a tanker. Larger than a C-130 Hercules and smaller than a C-17, the A400M has a maximum payload capacity of 37 tons and a cargo compartment volume of 340 cubic meters. Thanks to its four EuroProp International (EPI) TP400 turboprop engines, the A400M has a maximum range of 8900 km, can reach altitudes of up to 11300 meters, and has a cruising speed of 781 km/h.
“Proven for over a decade in military and humanitarian operations worldwide, the A400M is a game changer for the Kazakh Air Defense Forces, delivering unrivalled tactical and strategic capabilities in a single platform,” said Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Air Power at Airbus Defence and Space.
Dumont also noted that the second A400M is currently in production and is scheduled for delivery in 2026. Airbus has also committed to providing comprehensive maintenance and training support for the Kazakh Air Defense Forces.
The A400M procurement is just one example of the good relations between Kazakhstan and Airbus, as the Kazakhstan Air Force is also the operator of another Airbus product, the C295 military transport aircraft. Kazakhstan has ordered 10 C295s from Airbus for its Air Force and border services and has received eight of them so far. The remaining two aircraft will be delivered next year.
In addition, the parties have an agreement covering projects such as developing maintenance and refurbishment services for C295 aircraft and establishing a C295 maintenance center in Kazakhstan. Such cooperation aims to increase Kazakhstan’s regional defense and logistics capabilities significantly.