Kazakhstan's second Airbus A400M has its paint on. Airbus released photographs on 1 October of the airlifter at its final assembly line in Seville, Spain, finished in a glossy grey scheme with "Kazakhstan Air Force" on the forward fuselage, a red star on the tail and the number 22.

The aircraft is in final technical acceptance before delivery to the Kazakh Air Defense Forces. When it arrives, it completes a two-aircraft order placed in 2021 and gives the Central Asian country a pair of the largest turboprop airlifters in service in the West.

A gloss finish for a tactical jet

The glossy grey is unusual for a military transport, most of which wear matte paint. The national markings are a red star on the fin, associated with the emblem of the Kazakh air force, and large Kazakh and English titles on the nose section.

According to Cavok, the aircraft made its first flight in August 2026. Airbus has not given a delivery date beyond saying it will follow technical acceptance.

Why Kazakhstan wanted the A400M

Kazakhstan is the ninth largest country in the world by area, with long distances between its cities and few good roads across its steppe and mountains. A transport that can carry outsize loads strategic distances, and then land on short, rough strips, suits it well.

The deal included maintenance support and pilot training, and Kazakhstan was the first operator of the type in Central Asia. Its first A400M was delivered in December 2024 after a ferry flight from Seville to Almaty.

The second aircraft arrives at a busy time for the A400M. The UK has just signed a new support deal to raise availability of its fleet, and Germany has ordered more. Kazakhstan's pair will be a small fleet, but in a country of its size, two big airlifters change a great deal.

Sources: Airbus, FlightGlobal, Cavok, Asian Defence Journal