In 2012, we visited the second instalment of the KADEX trade show in Kazakhstan. With memorable performances of the MiG-31 and indeed the Su-27s of the Kazakh Air Force.
Being held at Astana airport, this provided a good opportunity to sample a wide variety of aircraft from various branches of government. Kazakhstan has turned to the West for some of its hardware like the H145M shown here.
For heavier transport duties, the Mi-17V-5 is still used in numbers. Many were present in 2012. Of these 04 red performed aerial displays, whereas 01 red was parked on stand-by. Both are hoist-equipped, and likely operated by 620 Aвиаполк (Aviapolk - aviation squadron).
Mi-17V-5 02 red had the honour of bearing the flag of Kazakhstan.
Resplendent in a completely different two-tone green colour scheme is 11 yellow, it was in the static park.
More legacy Soviet-era hardware in the shape of the venerable MiG-29 is used by fighter unit 600 Авиабаза (600 Aviabasa - 600 Aviation Base - Zhetygen).
Every day a two-ship performed, consisting of a dual seat MiG-29UB and a MiG-29 single seater.
On a milder tone, but with larger numbers present, were the L-39 Albatros' from 609 Авиабаза (609 Aviabasa - 609 Aviation Base) in Balkash, central Kazakhstan.
We can imagine this replicates some of the scenes normally to be seen on a Kazakh air base, that could now be witnessed on the busy ramp of the international airport!
No doubt the four-ship Su-27 display was one of the highlights of the airshow. Popping out huge amounts of flares in the process, an awesome performance that lighted up the place; literally as some of the flares caused minor brush fires.
Then at Taldykurgan, with 604 Авиабаза (604 Aviabasa - 604 Aviation Base) and upgraded to Su-27M2 and UBM2 standard the fleet has recently been augmented with the Su-30SM. Since then, they are at Aktobe.
Before the grey takes over, let us just enjoy some more tones of bright blue...
...before the legacy Su-27 departs the scene for good, like this 50 yellow heading home after being parked at the static, it graced us with with a last display.
More hardware from illustrious manufacturers could be seen. Like this VIP Tu-154 UP-T5401 with "Kazakhstan" titles. Another was seen at Almaty, UP-T5406, but that belongs to the Ministry of Emergency Situations (Төтенше жағдайлар министрлігі - тжм).
Two helicopters of тжм were displayed on the ground with Ka-32A-11C UP-K3201 and H145 UP-EC015 in the distinctive white with orange and blue markings of said institution.
The An-26 is being replaced with C295, but in 2012 these Astana-based aircraft (620 Авиабаза - 620 Aviabasa - 620 Aviation Base) were quite active still. Especially on departure day.
On that day the static aircraft departed and support equipment needed to be ferried back home. For this whispering giant Mi-26T for example. Heading back all the way to 612 Авиабаза (612 Aviabasa - 612 Aviation Base - Taraz).
At departure, the static birds could finally be captured in fine style. Su-25s are at Shymkent with the 602 Aviation Base (602 Авиабаза - 602 Aviabasa)...
...while the brutal MiG-27, freshly overhauled by CHARZ Chuguyev in the Ukraine, went back to Taldykurgan's 604 Авиабаза (60 Aviabasa - 604 Aviation Base).
Closest fighter base to Astana is Karaganda where 610 Авиабаза (610 Aviabasa - 610 Aviation Base) resides. And, oh my word, do they have serious hardware there. The stunning MiG-31, a couple of which performed daily fly-bys. ...
...while a third was at the static and departed in true MiG-31 style, with fire and brimstone!
Speaking of fire, although overcast at this display day, the four Su-27 lit up the grey skies providing an even more eerie sight.
With a final salute, two MiG-29s depart as only they can... We look back at a truly lovely first acquaintance with Kazakhstan. More Aviagraphers have visited since and, more will surely follow!