China has delivered three additional Y-8F-200WA transport aircraft to the Kazakhstan National Guard, marking a significant step in deepening defense cooperation between Beijing and Astana. Newly published photos from aviation spotter AMM In Kumul confirm the arrival of aircraft with tail numbers 04, 05, and 06, raising the total number of Y-8s in Kazakhstan’s National Guard inventory to six. Two more aircraft are scheduled for delivery, completing an eight-aircraft acquisition program.
The deliveries stem from a 2018 agreement between Kazakhstan and Shaanxi Aircraft Corporation, which included a phased handover of Y-8 aircraft. The first unit entered service in late 2018, with subsequent deliveries occurring in 2023 and 2024. The latest batch, delivered in 2025, features aircraft painted in Kazakh National Guard livery and welcomed during formal ceremonies that included Chinese test pilots—a reflection of the growing symbolism in bilateral military cooperation.
The Y-8F-200WA—also marketed as the Pegasus variant—is a modernized version of the Chinese Y-8, originally derived from the Soviet Antonov An-12. Designed specifically for export, the aircraft features a stretched fuselage, 23-ton cargo capacity, and four powerful turboprop engines. It offers a cruise speed of 550 km/h, a range of 3,440 km, and capacity for up to 96 troops or 82 paratroopers. Its robust airframe and high-mounted wings allow operation from semi-prepared runways, making it especially suitable for Kazakhstan’s vast and rugged terrain.
While Kazakhstan continues to operate Soviet-era aircraft like the An-74, it is simultaneously integrating Western and Chinese platforms. In December 2024, the country took delivery of its first Airbus A400M, with a second unit expected in 2026. A memorandum of understanding with Airbus also includes the development of a local support center for the C295 fleet. These acquisitions reflect Kazakhstan’s multi-vector procurement strategy, balancing ties between Europe, China, and legacy Soviet suppliers.
The Y-8 family is one of China’s most diverse military aircraft lines, with variants dedicated to electronic warfare, maritime patrol, psychological operations, and command and control. The version delivered to Kazakhstan is focused on transport missions but leverages the same rugged platform. Other international customers include Myanmar, Pakistan, Venezuela, and Sudan.
Kazakhstan’s choice of the Y-8F-200WA is likely driven by cost-efficiency, operational compatibility with existing Soviet infrastructure, and reliability in austere environments. The aircraft has already been seen in use for domestic troop transport and winter flight training, according to Chinese sources and local media.
Once all eight aircraft are in service, Kazakhstan will possess one of the largest Chinese-manufactured military transport fleets in Central Asia. This development not only reflects Astana’s strategic priorities in mobility and internal security but also suggests a possible long-term industrial partnership with China. With Ukrainian aviation production hindered by ongoing war, China appears poised to fill the regional gap in medium-lift airlift solutions.
