Airbus received an order for two A400M four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft. After delivery, the Republic of Kazakhstan will become the ninth operator of the type, including the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, France, Belgium, Turkey, Luxembourg, and Malaysia.

On September 1, 2021, the European manufacturer and the government of the Republic of Kazakhstan signed a contract of order for two A400Ms, with the first delivery scheduled in 2024. In addition, to the purchase deal, the manufacturer agreed to provide “a complete suite” of aircraft maintenance and training support.

The two parties also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), where Airbus committed to helping the country to set up the local C295 maintenance center as well as collaborate on A400M maintenance and overhaul services. 

”The A400M will become the cornerstone of Kazakhstan’s tactical and strategic airlifting operations,” Michael Schoellhorn, the CEO of Airbus Defence and Space, said.

The recent deal brings the total number of A400M plane orders to 176 aircraft, and the manufacturer believes that such a number will potentially grow in the future.

“With more than 100 aircraft delivered and 100,000 flight hours in operation, the A400M has proven its capabilities, reaching a state of maturity that many potential customers were waiting for,” Schoellhorn added.

Powered by four Europrop TP400-D6 turboprop engines, which gives the plane thrust equal to 11,000 horsepower each, the A400M is capable of flying as much as 37,000 kilograms (81,600 lbs) of freight and can carry 166 equipped troops as well as up to 66 stretchers accompanied by 25 medical personnel. It entered service in 2013 and is offered as a successor for older transporters such as the C-130 Hercules or the C-160 Transall.

With the capacity to accommodate Kazakhstan‘s inventory as well as to conduct military, civil and humanitarian missions, the aircraft should help the country to immediately respond to any mission.