Kazakhstan, Astana, Jan. 17 / Trend D. Mukhtarov /
The Kazakh Air Force fleet is being replenished with new generation aircraft for the first time during the 20-year history of independent Kazakhstan, the defence ministry said today.
'Today, Astana's air base has received two C-295 aircraft from the European aviation group Airbus from Spain', the report says.
According to the Defence Ministry's information, the Kazakh Air Force fleet will be replenished with eight C-295 aircraft up till late 2018.
'Increasing the air transportation opportunities of military aviation capable of transporting troops, weapons and military equipment to any strategic direction without intermediate stops for refuelling is the result of the fleet's modernisation', a statement said.
The C-295 is currently one of the world's best aircraft having an advantage among others. This aircraft is successfully used in the air forces of 15 countries including such countries as Spain, France, Finland and others. Kazakhstan became the first customer of this aircraft in the CIS region.
According to the ministry, the aircraft of one model of the European aviation group will reduce the cost of their use and retraining pilots and technical staff.