A different shade of grey

Airbus Defence released a video on their social media channels showcasing the first Kazakhstan Airbus A400M being painted. The transporter, bearing Bort number 21 red (c/n 139), was observed in full markings outside the Airbus facility at Sevilla-San Pablo several weeks ago. The exact roll-out date is not yet known.

On 1 September 2021, Airbus Defence and Space announced the receipt of an order from the Republic of Kazakhstan for two A400M strategic airlifters, with the first aircraft scheduled for delivery in 2024.

For the Kazakhstan Air Defence Forces, the acquisition of A400Ms will significantly enhance its long-range airlift capability. Currently, Kazakhstan operates eleven C295s alongside an ageing fleet of Soviet-built transport aircraft, approximately ten of which are reported as active, along with a single Shaanxi Y-8F-200W Pegasus supplied by China. Despite being the world’s ninth-largest country in terms of area, it has one of the lowest population densities.

The A400M's capability to transport heavy loads to remote airstrips in distant communities will prove invaluable for enhancing the mobility of the country’s armed forces and for emergency relief operations.

Credit photo: Airbus Defence