The command center of Ukraine's Air Force Base No. 32 looked just like something out of a Hollywood military movie. The spacious hall was dominated by a massive electronic display screen, showcasing all the military intelligence within the jurisdiction.
Below the enormous screen sat rows of Air Force intelligence personnel, each stationed at their computers, diligently carrying out their duties.
"Mr. Mavi, this is our Air Force Command Center. You can see the green icons on the screen—they represent various assets within our control. Just 100 meters away from here is our storage facility for MiG fighter jets and bombers. Please, follow me."
Major General Borylov gave Mavi a brief introduction before leading him toward the base's warehouse to view their aircraft inventory.
As the heavy iron doors of the military warehouse slowly opened, the sight before Mavi was so stunning that he couldn't even blink!
Su-27 fighter jets, MiG-29 fighter jets! Su-25 attack aircraft, Su-24 strike fighters!
Rows upon rows of Soviet-era fighter jets were neatly parked at the front of the warehouse. The sight alone ignited the military enthusiast in Mavi, filling him with excitement. He had a sudden urge to buy them all in one go.
"Mr. Mavi, toward the back of the warehouse, we also have two Tu-160, Tu-22, and Tu-95 supersonic strategic bombers, as well as the An-225 super transport aircraft. Would you like to take a look?" Major General Borylov asked proudly.
These aircraft were some of the Air Force's most prized possessions.
"Of course, Major General Borylov," Mavi replied with a smile. It looked like today was going to cost him a fortune! This place was a treasure trove!
After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Ukraine inherited an enormous stockpile of weapons and equipment. The sheer number of high-performance aircraft alone exceeded 2,150!
Among them were 19 Tu-160 supersonic bombers, over 140 Tu-95 and Tu-22 strategic bombers, and more than 670 Su-27, MiG-29, Su-25, and Su-24 fighter jets. This was nothing short of a world-class military treasure trove!
Unfortunately, in the previous timeline, Ukraine had willingly dismantled its own military power, hoping to align itself with NATO. In the end, however, it was played for a fool. For a mere $15 million, Ukraine gave up its precious nuclear warheads, bombers, and even its nuclear-powered aircraft carrier!
Such an insane act of self-destruction was painful to watch—even for someone as extravagant as Mavi. If Ukraine had known the consequences, it would have been better off aligning with China. At least China, as a nation known for its sense of honor and loyalty, would have ensured that Ukraine thrived instead of falling into such misery…
But that was in the past. In this lifetime, Mavi was determined to prevent Ukraine from falling into such decline.
As Major General Borylov and a group of Air Force officers led Mavi deeper into the military warehouse, he finally saw them—the Tu-160 and Tu-22 supersonic bombers, aircraft so rare that even movies seldom featured them!
Their sleek, light-gray fuselages exuded a futuristic aesthetic. With their superior combat capabilities, these bombers could cruise at subsonic speeds at high altitudes before launching supersonic strikes! They could fire long-range cruise missiles from outside enemy air defense networks, striking targets with precision.
Additionally, they were capable of air defense suppression, using short-range missiles to eliminate aerial threats.
Most importantly, when equipped with nuclear warhead missiles, the Tu-160 became an instrument of strategic nuclear destruction!
This was precisely why the European Union had pressured Ukraine to dismantle these strategic bombers. They feared that in the event of war, just a couple of nuclear missiles launched from Ukraine could wipe out Britain and France in an instant…
"Mr. Mavi, what do you think? These are our Tu-160 and Tu-22 bombers. Impressive, aren't they? Their performance is top-tier. And over there, that's the An-225 super transport aircraft. As of today, it's the largest transport aircraft in the world—there is only one in existence." Major General Borylov spoke with evident pride.
The An-225 super transport aircraft measured 84 meters in total length, with a cargo hold spanning 43.5 meters. It had an astonishing payload capacity of over 300 tons and was designed for heavy-load flights. It could even carry a space shuttle under harsh weather conditions, making it the most powerful transport aircraft in the world! And the fact that it was one of a kind only added to its prestige.
As Mavi admired the Tu-160 bomber and the An-225 transport aircraft before him, he felt not only visually overwhelmed but also deeply impressed by the former Soviet Union's advanced military engineering capabilities. These top-tier military scientists seemed to have been born for one purpose—warfare.
If given the opportunity, Mavi was determined to "recruit" these experts to Russia to develop military weapons together. And if the chance arose, he even wanted to fund efforts to eliminate terrorist organizations in the Middle East, making some righteous profits while restoring peace to the world.
"The Tu-160 bomber has an incredibly sleek design, and the An-225 is visually stunning as well. Major General Borylov, I think it's time we discuss the prices of these fighter jets and transport aircraft," Mavi said. After all, the tour was over—now it was time to talk business.
If Mavi were to purchase a Tu-160 series strategic bomber for private collection, he would need to remove the engines…
Even though the Tu-160, Tu-22, and Tu-95 strategic bombers were terrifyingly powerful with nuclear warheads, without them, they were simply high-end bombers. However, if these aircraft were to fall into the hands of nuclear-armed nations outside Russia and Ukraine, the implications would be dire.
These bombers had an attack range that spanned both hemispheres. Their presence alone could instill global fear…
For instance, if North Korea were to acquire even a single Tu-95 bomber, its deterrence capability would skyrocket. It wouldn't just be Japan and South Korea that feared it—even the United States across the Pacific would have to take it seriously.
Upon hearing Mavi inquire about the prices, Major General Borylov chuckled slightly before answering in a straightforward manner.
"Mr. Mavi, I'll be direct with the pricing."
"For fighter jets like the Su-27, MiG-29, and Su-25, we have a special offer—buy two, get one free! The unit price is approximately $1.5 million per jet."
"As for the Tu-160 supersonic bomber, it's priced at $3.2 million per unit. The Tu-22 and Tu-95 bombers are priced at $2.3 million each. The An-225 super transport aircraft is available for $4.6 million."
After hearing Borylov's offer, Mavi felt as if he had stepped into an entirely new world!
A MiG-29 fighter jet—buy two, get one free!?
Was this a clearance sale?! And only $1.5 million per unit?!
My god… Were they seriously selling them this cheap?!
The Ukrainian Air Force must be absolutely desperate for money…
(End of Chapter)