Kazakhstan is expected to receive its first Russian Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jets within the next two years, according to multiple Kazakh and Russian reports, marking a major step in the country’s air force modernisation.The reports, cited by Military Watch Magazine, indicate that Kazakhstan may have already placed orders for the Russian aircraft following confirmation in 2025 that several countries had ordered the Su-57.Kazakhstan’s Air Defence Forces currently operate combat aircraft of Soviet and Russian origin, and the reported acquisition would introduce fifth-generation fighters into its fleet for the first time.The specific aircraft type has not been confirmed by most sources. However, only three fifth-generation fighters are currently available for export internationally: Russia’s Su-57, China’s J-35 and the US F-35.
An F-35 acquisition by Kazakhstan is considered unlikely for political reasons, while China’s J-35 could emerge as a potential competitor to the Russian fighter in Central Asia.China has already expanded its presence in the region’s combat aircraft market. In the early 2020s, it supplied JF-17 Block 3 fighters to Azerbaijan and J-10C fighters to Uzbekistan, both replacing Soviet-era MiG-29 aircraft.
Su-57 could replace Kazakhstan’s Su-27
The Su-57 is expected to replace Kazakhstan’s ageing Su-27 fleet and could potentially replace MiG-31 aircraft at a later stage.If confirmed, the procurement would make Kazakhstan the second former Soviet republic after Russia to operate a fifth-generation fighter and potentially the second foreign customer for the Su-57 after Algeria.The Russian aircraft is generally considered less technologically advanced than the Chinese J-35 and US F-35 in several areas. However, it offers advantages including relatively lower maintenance requirements, longer range, extensive combat experience and access to a range of specialised missile systems.The reported acquisition would therefore deepen Kazakhstan’s existing reliance on Russian-origin military aviation while giving its air force access to a more advanced generation of combat aircraft.
