In his previous life, Russia sold Malaysia 16 MiG-29N single-seat fighter jets and two MiG-29NUB twin-seat fighter-trainer jets in 1994 for $600 million. After negotiations, the price was reduced to $560 million. However, the quality wasn't great, and in 1998 and 2004, one MiG jet crashed each time. This made the Malaysians wary of buying weapons from Russia again.
After hearing the quoted price, Mavi took a moment to process it. But then he realized it made sense—after all, the European Union had spent $15 million and provided billions in loans (essentially lending money to Ukraine) just to have Ukraine destroy its nuclear warheads and bombers. Compared to a "buy two, get one free" fighter jet deal, that was on a whole different level!
Seeing Mavi deep in thought without responding, Major General Boryov mistakenly assumed that he found the price too high. So, he added, "Mr. Mavi, this price is already extremely low. I believe you understand that."
In reality, Major General Boryov left out one key point—if Mavi didn't take these jets, the Ukrainian government would reduce its air force inventory by the end of the year to cut down on maintenance costs.
Simply put, Ukraine couldn't afford to maintain these planes and planned to discard them. Rather than selling them as scrap metal, it made more sense to offload them at a low price to a trusted buyer like Mavi.
Just as Major General Boryov was anxiously explaining, Mavi, suppressing his excitement, spoke calmly as if he wasn't getting an incredible deal. "I understand, Major General Boryov. So… are all the planes in this warehouse available for sale?"
"Yes, Mr. Mavi. I was instructed to bring you here specifically for this transaction," Major General Boryov replied, somewhat puzzled by the question.
But a second later, he and the air force officers behind him suddenly realized what Mavi was implying…
"In that case, Major General Boryov, I'll take all the planes in this warehouse—Tu-95s, Tu-22s, Tu-160s, MiG-29s, and the An-225. Please calculate the total price for me." Mavi's firm declaration stunned the Ukrainian air force officers.
"You… you want them all?"
"Mr. Mavi, are you saying you're buying every single one?" Major General Boryov asked in disbelief.
Before the meeting, Boryov had been tasked with selling at least $15 million worth of aircraft to consider the deal a success. But never in his wildest dreams did he expect Mavi to clear out their entire base's unsold inventory in one go! This level of decisiveness was extraordinary…
"Yes, Major General Boryov. How much in total?" Mavi didn't see this as boldness—he was essentially robbing the Ukrainian Air Force blind!
Once Asian countries started purchasing aircraft carriers from him, he could easily bundle these dirt-cheap fighter jets into the deal. A MiG-29 that cost him just $1 million (with a "buy two, get one free" deal) could be resold for at least $25 million! It was an insane profit…
"I'll calculate the total for you now!" Major General Boryov immediately turned to Colonel Sheni, signaling him to start adding up the numbers.
Honestly, even the Ukrainian Air Force hadn't anticipated that someone would have the wealth and audacity to buy the entire warehouse, so they had never calculated a total price before.
"Two Tu-160 supersonic bombers—$6.4 million… Twelve Su-27 fighter jets—$12 million…" Colonel Sheni continued adding up the figures, and after a while, he finished the full calculation.
"Major General Boryov, the total price is… um… $68.9 million," Colonel Sheni reported quietly.
Major General Boryov nodded in satisfaction, then relayed the final price to Mavi. "Mr. Mavi, the total for all the fighter jets, bombers, and transport aircraft in the warehouse comes to $68 million."
The Air Force Major General even rounded down the price, shaving off $900,000—partly as a goodwill gesture for Mavi's bulk purchase and partly because Mavi had gifted them Dongfeng Mengshi military vehicles.
"Fine. No problem." Mavi agreed without hesitation, not even blinking.
The Ukrainian officers watching him were astonished. They had never seen an arms dealer this wealthy and decisive.
"Haha! Refreshing! Mr. Mavi, thank you for this excellent cooperation!" Major General Boryov extended his right hand excitedly. The mission assigned to him by his superiors had been accomplished far beyond expectations! When this result was reported up the chain, it would undoubtedly delight the Ukrainian Air Force's senior officers.
"You're welcome, Major General Boryov." Mavi also extended his hand with a smile. In truth, he should be the one expressing gratitude.
A quick mental calculation told him that the military warehouse held:
- 12 Su-27 fighter jets
- 11 MiG-29 fighter jets
- 9 Su-25 attack aircraft
- 4 Su-24 fighter-bombers
- 2 Tu-160 supersonic bombers
- 4 Tu-22 bombers
- 5 Tu-95 strategic bombers
- And the world's only An-225 super transport aircraft
The total price was indeed around $68 million.
After acquiring these military aircraft, Mavi estimated that he could resell them for at least $1.5 billion! He planned to reinvest the profits into his security company and gradually transform it into a private military contractor.
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Once the Iraq War and the Middle Eastern terrorism crisis erupted, his private military company would undoubtedly be highly valued by the Russian government. By then, Mavi's status would be completely different.
As for the Tu-160, Tu-22, and Tu-95 strategic bombers he had acquired at bargain prices, he planned to gift a few to the Russian Air Force. The remaining ones would be dismantled for their engines and sent to his own base. If necessary, he even considered purchasing an island to develop as his own military base for storing weapons and training mercenaries.
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After purchasing $68 million worth of military aircraft from the Ukrainian Air Force, Mavi's bank balance dropped from $385 million to $317 million.
Back at his hotel in Ukraine, he summoned his butler, Ivan, into his room and instructed him, "Ivan, send someone to contact the Russian Air Force. Tell them I have a big gift for them."
Strategic supersonic bombers were too hot to handle for someone in Mavi's position. If mishandled, they could bring a world of trouble.
(End of Chapter)