Kazakh Air Defense Forces

The Kazakh Air Defence Forces is a service branch of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Kazakhstan, tasked with protecting national airspace and supporting other military branches. Structurally, the force is organized into several air bases, including the 600th Guards Air Base in Zhetigen, the 602nd Air Base in Shymkent, and the 604th Air Base in Taldykorgan. It inherited a significant amount of Soviet-era equipment upon the dissolution of the USSR.

The operational capabilities of the air force are centered on a mixed fleet of aircraft. Its offensive power relies on Russian-made platforms, notably Su-30SM multirole fighters and Su-25 ground-attack aircraft. The interceptor role has been filled by MiG-31 aircraft, though reports indicate this fleet has been retired. The transport helicopter fleet is robust, composed mainly of Mi-8/17 variants, supported by Mi-24/35 attack helicopters. The force also operates a growing inventory of unmanned aerial vehicles for reconnaissance purposes.

In October 2022, Kazakhstan approved an updated military doctrine that emphasizes strengthening air defense, developing special operations forces, and increasing domestic production to reduce import reliance. This doctrine drives a strategy focused on improving autonomous defense capabilities and mitigating potential internal and regional threats. While a member of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), the nation's procurement strategy shows a move to diversify its suppliers beyond Russia.

A key change is the deliberate shift from legacy Soviet platforms to a combination of modern Russian and Western systems. The country has been actively acquiring Su-30SM fighters to replace older MiG-29s, which were decommissioned in 2023. A significant enhancement in strategic lift capability is underway with the acquisition of Airbus A400M transport aircraft, the first of which was delivered from Spain. The air defense network has also been upgraded with new Russian and Belarusian missile systems, alongside domestically produced radar stations.