Airbus rolls out first A400M for Kazakhstan

Aircraft MSN139, the first of two A400Ms for Kazakhstan, seen in the paint shop having its bespoke scheme and markings applied ahead of delivery later in 2024. (Airbus)

Airbus has rolled out the first of a pair of A400M Atlas transport aircraft for the Republic of Kazakhstan, following the application of its new paint scheme at the company's final assembly line in Seville.

Images of aircraft MSN139 were released on 15 April, showing it to be finished in a bespoke high-gloss ‘wet' version of the familiar low-visibility grey paint scheme, as well as with the standard markings of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Kazakhstan that are drawn on the country's Soviet past.

Having ordered two A400Ms in 2021, MSN139 will be delivered later in 2024.

In signing up Kazakhstan for the A400M, Airbus secured its first export customer for the programme since Malaysia joined the multinational programme in 2005. As noted in the announcement, the Kazakh Air Defense Forces (KADF) will be the first operator to field the A400M without an in-flight aerial refuelling probe, as seen with the MSN139, which is seen provisioned for but not equipped with the probe. Beyond the lack of the probe, Airbus has previously declined to comment on the specifics of the Kazakh configuration for the aircraft.

For more information on the KADF, please see Kazakhstan – Air Force.