The structure of the Ministry of Defence's Kazspetsexport put a transport aircraft AN-26 from 1980 up for auction, which was deemed unfit for operation. Despite the emergency condition of the aircraft, during the auction the lot price more than tripled — from an estimated 8.2 million to 26 million tenge, however the auction results were later cancelled.
WHAT IS KNOWN ABOUT THE AIRCRAFT'S CONDITION
The description and technical documentation were published on the electronic trading platform Sauda.
The AN-26 is equipped with aviation and radio-electronic equipment units, however the aircraft weapons and the secret identification system block are not on board.
The technical condition report states that the aircraft sustained damage as a result of an incident that occurred on 16 April 2021. The documents also indicate that the aircraft's overhaul life expired on 30 March 2025. After its last repair, the aircraft could have been operated for eight years or 5000 flight hours and landings.
HOW THE LOT PRICE CHANGED
The value of the aircraft in its current condition was 8.2 million tenge. During the auction, the lot price rose to 26 million tenge, however the auction results were later cancelled.
The description of the aircraft's components also indicates the presence of precious metals — gold, silver and platinum. Their total weight is estimated at approximately 1.7 kg, and their value at 3.6 million tenge.
MILITARY AND AVIATION EQUIPMENT IS NOT BEING SOLD IN KAZAKHSTAN FOR THE FIRST TIME
Similar auctions have been held before. In 2023, Kazspetsexport put up for auction decommissioned military equipment and property, including MiG-31 and Su-24 aircraft, sapper equipment and other property.
Furthermore, in 2024, an aviation training centre put up for sale several private TL-2000 Sting Carbon S4 aircraft with a total value of over 100 million tenge. The auction materials at the time indicated that some of the equipment remained fit for operation.