The Kazakhstan Air Defense Forces continues to build up its fleet, greeting the arrival of two Czech-made Aircraft Industries L-410 light utility turboprops at Aktobe airfield on Dec. 5.

The 19-seat aircraft became the first of the type in the service’s inventory and will be a training platform for the local military academy.

Earlier this year, the Air Defense Forces received its ninth Airbus С-295 transport and an unspecified number of Russian-made Mil Mi-35 and Mi-171Sh combat helicopters.

The service also expects to receive four Sukhoi Su-30SM multirole fighters by year’s end, Col. Erzhan Nildibaev, deputy commander for armaments, said at a Nov. 30 media briefing. Six more fighters of the type are scheduled to arrive in 2024.

Despite earlier media reports that Kazakhstan showed interest in Dassault Rafale fighters, Nildibaev confirmed that his service will stay with Russian fighters because of the cost of its French competitor.

The Sukhoi Su-30SM is a modification of Russia’s export best-seller Su-30MK fighter family, which was adapted for the Russian Air Force. Kazakhstan purchased 20 fighters in 2014-2020.

Russia also remains a source of air defense weapons for Kazakhstan. Nildibaev said Kazakhstan plans to receive one battery of the Tor-M2K short-range surface-to-air missile system in December. Another one is to be delivered in early 2024.

However, Kazakhstan is trying to diversify its defense suppliers in areas where its northern neighbor has nothing to offer. Air Defense Forces Commander Maj. Gen. Dauren Kosanov said the first of two ordered Airbus A400 medium lift transports will be delivered early next year.

He added that the first batch of Turkish Aerospace Industries’ Anka assault uncrewed combat air vehicles started trial operations in August. The service already has smaller Chengdu Wing Loong-1 UCAVs and Elbit Systems Skylark reconnaissance drones.