Chapter 372: Becoming an International Arms Trafficker
At this time, Qin Tao was also a little emotional.
In fact, when he first raised this topic, he wanted to sell the modified version of his J-31, but when the words came to his lips, he did not say them out.
Although Qin Tao's early efforts raised a sum of funds for the Navy's dedicated J-31, these funds were simply not enough for the research and development of a fighter jet, and a large amount of capital investment was needed in the later stage.
Therefore, if we can attract external funds, it will be of great benefit to our own fighter aircraft research and development. This aircraft can even be turned into an international cooperation project like the F-35.
However, the words came to my lips but were not spoken.
Because it doesn’t matter what he says, and this project is still confidential. If he leaks the secret here, he will probably be questioned on the iron bench after he returns.
Therefore, Qin Tao suppressed his thoughts abruptly.
At this time, the words came to his lips but he could not speak. This feeling was very unpleasant. Qin Tao's mind was also spinning rapidly, and then, an idea jumped out of his mind.
"President Qin, we need modern fighters, but we may not be able to buy them at the moment."
"No, as long as you think about it, there is always a way." Qin Tao said: "What do you think of the MiG-29 fighter jet?"
If it is other fighter jets, the Parthian Kingdom may not know about it, but the MiG-29 is different. They have this fighter jet on hand!
At first, during the eight-year war, they fought constantly with their neighbors to the west, and later they also encountered the MiG-29. Later, when the war started in 1991, some pilots of their neighbors to the west were unwilling to do so.
Fight, and then directly took the MiG-29 and flew to Parthia!
The Parthian Kingdom was overjoyed and accepted everyone. Therefore, the Parthian Kingdom had an additional type of aircraft.
At this time, when Qin Tao talked about the MiG-29, the Parthian people present opened their eyes wide: "That aircraft's avionics performance is not good, but its close-range combat capability is excellent. Mr. Qin, can you help us?"
Get a MiG-29 fighter jet?"
"Well, I can give it a try if you need it. However, the price may not be low. After all, this cannot be sold through normal arms sales. Moreover, the news must not be leaked."
Even if Mao is now in dire straits, especially the Mikoyan Design Bureau, which is too poor to reveal the blame, they will still have to face a lot of pressure to sell their fighter planes to Parthia. If this news starts to spread internationally,
Then, the deal is likely to fail.
"Mr. Qin, as long as you can help us buy it, we can accept it no matter how high the price is." Husseini's face was full of determination.
"Then you prepare 500 million for me in advance and transfer it to a specific account. If it works well, I may help you buy the cross. Of course, if you can't trust me, then forget it."
Qin Tao asked them for 500 million US dollars in just a few words. What if he took the money and ran away?
These days, there are too many scammers in the world.
However, Husseini and the others did not hesitate at all, because they had already confirmed that Qin Tao was their friend. The current Abbas Shipyard was built by the Mingzhou Group. They have always felt at ease with their friends.
So many workers of the Mingzhou Group are still building the Abbas Shipyard. If the boss Qin Tao takes the money and runs away, what about the workers?
Moreover, how big is Mr. Qin's business, and he still cares about this little money? I am helping out of friendship.
500 million to buy ten, that one is 50 million. The price is definitely not low. In China, you can buy a Su-27 at this price. However, for Parthian people who have no way to buy, this amount of money is not worth it.
What? Even if it costs 100 million US dollars per aircraft, they have to accept it. After all, the MiG-29 is already an excellent third-generation fighter, which is better than the J-7 and J-8 aircraft.
So, Qin Tao set foot on the road to Moscow again. Even Qin Tao felt that he was not doing his job properly.
Originally, we were arranging the construction of Gwadar Port, and we were walking around in Parthia during the process. But what happened? He actually became an arms dealer!
However, fortunately, Qin Tao often acts as a hands-off shopkeeper. After he hands over the work, someone with a strong sense of responsibility will take charge. Therefore, even if Qin Tao is away, various tasks will not be delayed.
With this idea in mind, Qin Tao came to Moscow. It was already the end of May. Moscow was covered with green trees, and this ancient city seemed to be full of vitality.
However, when he walked to the gate of the MiG-2 Industrial Complex, Qin Tao could still feel lifeless.
In this huge factory, there were probably thousands of people working at the same time, right? What about now? Only a few people can be seen, and they no longer have the glory of the past. The MiG-23 fighter jet sculpture on the tilted platform at the door,
They all seemed lonely and lonely.
Qin Tao felt emotional in his heart.
"Hello, Mr. Qin, I will be responsible for all your itineraries." A middle-aged man in his forties came to Qin Tao: "My name is Alexey Smetanikov."
Hey, this name sounds familiar? Qin Tao searched his mind, and it seemed similar to the person in later generations who committed suicide in shame because he couldn't pay the people in the design bureau?
Looking at his age, I guess he's about the same age.
What a tragic character, and in this tragic character, we can also see the sadness of Mikoyan Design Bureau.
"Where is Belyakov?" Qin Tao asked.
"He's busy with work."
"Where's Yevgeny?"
"He went to a meeting."
Qin Tao's heart was like a bright mirror. These two people were angry.
After all, Qin Tao vowed at the beginning that he would purchase MiG-29 fighters, including the production line, which made the people in charge of the Mikoyan Design Bureau very excited. However, in the end, they found out that they had been tricked, and China ordered a second
It approved the Su-27 fighter jet and even reached a plan to introduce the production line.
, has been very restrained. It is impossible for them to welcome Qin Tao as enthusiastically as last time.
"Please inform them that I am here with sincerity this time. I have an important purchase plan and want to talk to them." Qin Tao said: "I deposited a sum of money at the International Commercial Bank of Moscow, which I use
I'm here to buy fighter jets, here's the deposit certificate, you can take a look."
Smetanikov took it and took a look. In front of it was the number three, followed by a string of zeros. After he counted eight zeros, he was extremely surprised: "This money is used for
Purchasing our MiG-29 fighter jets?"
"That's right, please ask your leader to come see me!"
"yes!"
Smetanikov stumbled in.
Qin Tao is not in a hurry, he has to put on airs, if these people don't come to greet him, then he won't go in at all!
Soon, Belyakov and Yevgeny came out and almost ran all the way. Of course, they had to show enthusiasm for the sponsor who gave them money.
As for what happened last time, we will of course put it behind us.
Qin Tao looked at the two people.
"Both of you are very busy. My business won't be able to attract your attention anymore."
"How could it be? Weren't we busy just now?"
"What are you busy with? Why not receive me?"
The two were speechless.
This Mr. Qin always speaks so domineeringly. If it was in the Red Empire era, how could they piss on their customers? But now, they have to kneel down and lick them.
"Mr. Qin, I'm very sorry. Please forgive me."
"Mr. Qin, we are also doing the work you arranged originally."
"The work I arranged originally?"
"Yes, didn't you say at the beginning that if you want the MiG-29 to sell, you have to improve it? So, we made some improvements to increase the internal fuel of the MiG-29." Belyako
The husband said: "Now, we have made a prototype. Do you want to take a look?"
"Okay, let's take a look."
Qin Tao then took a square step and entered the MiG-2 Industrial Complex. In the familiar factory building, he saw a hunchbacked MiG-29.
"Through this improvement, we increased the fuel in the aircraft to 6,000 liters, which greatly increased the aircraft's range. Now, no one will call our aircraft mast defenders anymore," Belyakov said.
, talking about this, he felt a little depressed.
"You were not happy at first, how did you figure it out later?" Qin Tao asked with a smile.
It wasn’t just to bid for China’s military aircraft, but it’s a pity that China didn’t use it anymore! Belyakov was full of resentment, but he didn’t dare to say it out at this time. He could only look at Qin Tao: “This conformal fuel tank is absolutely fine.
It is an improvement based on the original fighter, so our company is actively working hard to sell this modification kit and upgrade it to previous customers."
"After the collapse of the Red Empire, did our Mikoyan Design Bureau receive any new orders?"
Hearing Qin Tao's question, Belyakov was a little speechless. This is obviously a matter of not opening the pot and lifting it. Is this to stimulate us?
"Originally, in conjunction with the Novorossiysk, we also had a contract for a batch of carrier-based MiG-29s. However, Ah San later shelved the project and came up with the idea of Varyag. The supporting carrier-based aircraft also
It may be replaced by Su-33."
This incident also made the Mikoyan Design Bureau extremely depressed. They had been robbed of business by the Sukhoi Design Bureau more than once. Originally supplied to the Novorossiysk, they also had thirty or forty MiG-29Ks.
Production tasks, for them, this is definitely a timely help.
However, something unexpected happened midway!
Everyone was annoyed, but there was nothing they could do.
"Er Mao is asking for a lot of money, so Ah San can't buy it in the end." Qin Tao said: "That aircraft carrier will never be completed, so you will definitely get this order in the future."
"Thank you, Mr. Qin, for your kind words." It was obvious that these people in front of them had little confidence at this time.
Qin Tao didn't want to say anything more. He didn't need to be the prophet king here.
"Mr. Qin, how many aircraft do you plan to purchase this time?"
"I just brought 300 million US dollars. I think it shouldn't be a problem to purchase ten, plus a batch of missiles, a hundred R-73s, and a hundred R-27s, right?"
After all, the MiG-29 is a low-end fighter. Its price in the early 1990s was only 20 million U.S. dollars. Now, Qin Tao gave them 30 million U.S. dollars each, plus a batch of missiles, which should be considered a normal price.
Belyakov's eyes lit up: "Of course, no problem, Mr. Qin, when do you plan to trade?"
Qin Tao must not be allowed to run away this time. If he runs away, he might be abducted by the Sukhoi Design Bureau again.
"I want spot goods." Qin Tao said, "If there is spot goods, we can trade on the spot."
"Ready stock? How many days can you wait? It will take time for us to install the humpback fuel tank."
"Don't worry about the humpback fuel tank. It won't be too late to ship it over after you produce it in the later stage. The sooner the better for our transactions. By the way, when will your current stock be produced?"
When Qin Tao came last time, he saw MiG-29 fighters being assembled on the production line. Some of them had been for a long time, and the aluminum alloy skins on the surface had begun to become dull.
Now, this batch of spot goods should be from the Red Empire period, right?
"It was produced for some customers a few years ago. Later, these customers no longer wanted it. However, we have only recently completed the final assembly, and it is still a brand-new aircraft that has not left the factory."
"Then bring us an extra batch of missiles and double the number."
"good."
The two of them completed the transaction so easily. At this time, Belyakov was so happy that he ignored Yevgeny, who had been winking at the side.
This chapter is not over yet, please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content! "Cough, cough." Yevgeny finally spoke: "You two, I want to say something, now we have the Mao Arms Export Director
company, so even if we reach a deal privately, it doesn't make any sense, we still have to go through the process of the Arms Export Corporation."
After all, Qin Tao is in the arms smuggling business, so he wants to do it as quickly as possible and alert as few people as possible. Belyakov can’t wait to sell the aircraft because the Mikoyan Design Bureau is facing difficulties.
So, the two of them hit it off immediately, but they ignored an important issue: this matter was not something they could handle in private.
These aircraft, which were built but not sold, must have been registered with the Mao Arms Export Corporation, unless there was an accidental fire or something like that at the Mikoyan Design Bureau and all those aircraft were reported as losses.
Otherwise, if the plane is gone and sold privately, the relevant personnel will definitely be held accountable.
Therefore, the two of them were talking happily just now, but it meant nothing at all!
"That guy Grishen, what is his current position in this company?" Qin Tao asked.
"He has become the general manager of this company. It seems that it will be difficult for us to reach this deal. He will definitely ask you for a high price." At this time, Belyakov was completely pessimistic and disappointed.
.
Qin Tao smiled: "Not necessarily. Maybe he can understand the current predicament of Mikoyan Design Bureau and give the green light to our deal? Come on, let's go visit him now."
At this time, Qin Tao just thought of what Grishen said back then.
He asked for a high price because of Mao's national interests. Later, his compromise was also for the national interests! Now, he can buy the MiG-29 fighter jet immediately and help the Mikoyan Design Bureau solve the crisis and let them escape.
Dilemma, these 300 million US dollars will be an important revenue for Mikoyan Design Bureau. At this time, Grishin should be willing to be generous, right?
If he doesn't agree, it doesn't matter. Qin Tao has other options. Anyway, the army is equipped with a lot of MiG-29 fighters. He can definitely get a batch of second-hand fighters.
In recent years, Mao's military expenditures have been pitifully low. Many aircraft can only fly less than ten hours a year, but the aircraft are still in good condition.
Since the money has already arrived in the account, there is definitely no reason to send it back.
Damao Arms Export Corporation, General Manager's Office.
When Grishen saw Qin Tao appearing with his secretary Xu Zhengyang and people from the Mikoyan Design Bureau, he felt a little curious. When did Mr. Qin get together with these people?
Qin Tao looked at Grishen with a smile: "Old friend, we meet again."
"Welcome, Mr. Qin is here this time. What do you need?"
This is asking knowingly. He came with Belyakov, so why should he say it? It must be to purchase MiG aircraft.
"In our aircraft factory, the few MiG-29 fighters that have been produced have never had customers. This time, Mr. Qin came personally to purchase ten MiG-29 fighters. There may be future customers.
Several batches of procurement requirements." Belyakov introduced at the side.
"Purchase ten MiG-29s?" Grishin asked curiously: "Didn't you already choose Su-27 fighters?"
"That was our country's choice. Now, these ten MiG-29s were purchased privately by me." Qin Tao said generously, not even using the name of the company, they were directly purchased privately.
Of course, in the end, the name of the leather bag company will be signed on the contract.
Grishin's face turned serious.
When Qin Tao said he wanted to purchase privately, his meaning couldn't be more obvious.
Qin Tao is not a flying enthusiast personally. He cannot fly ten planes by himself. Therefore, he must have bought these planes and then resold them to third parties.
"So, how are you going to deliver the goods?"
"The delivery is also very convenient. You only need to fly the plane to the Yeisk base, where the relevant pilots will take over and fly away."
Qin Tao didn't hide too much. After all, this kind of thing can't be hidden. It's difficult to buy something without letting the seller know who the buyer is.
Moreover, this delivery method is also unique, because this method does not need to pass through the airspace of other countries. As long as it is done carefully, it can still be kept secret for a period of time.
It was only at this time that Belyakov finally figured it out. Qin Tao definitely didn't buy the MiG-29 for the East. He turned out to be an arms dealer!
However, as long as he can sell the MiG-29, he will not care who the buyer is. Moreover, these transactions will not pass through the airspace of other countries, and there is no need to disassemble the wings for shipment, so it is not necessary.
There will be no international troubles.
When Qin Tao mentioned the Yeisk base, the name of the buyer was immediately revealed.
After all, the Yeisk base is on the coast of the Caspian Sea. There are only a few countries on the coast of the Caspian Sea. Most of them are poor countries. If they have enough financial resources to purchase the MiG-29, they have to do it secretly. Then
There is only one country!
Grishin's fingers kept tapping on the table. Obviously, he was also thinking about whether to do such a secret deal or not.
"So, at what price do you plan to buy it?"
"We have checked that the last export price of MiG-29 was US$20 million per unit. Now, we are willing to pay US$300 million to purchase ten MiG-29s, which also come with two hundred R-73 missiles and
Two hundred R-27 missiles."
"This price is unacceptable to us." Sure enough, Grishin began to discuss the price.
The sale of weapons to Parthia was done through Qin Tao, so even if something happened in the future, they could get away with the responsibility and claim ignorance, but they still had to take risks, so they had to make enough profits.
OK.
This chapter is not over, please click the next page to continue reading! "Mr. Grishin, I don't want to argue with you on the price. In short, if you think this price is suitable, then we will trade immediately. If you think it is not suitable, then we will
I will leave, and I will not have endless discussions with you about these prices for months or even years." Qin Tao said: "That means nothing to me. I heard that there are a batch of MiGs over there in Germany.
-29, if I leave here, maybe I will go there and have a look."
Belyakov suddenly became nervous.
Is this good business going to be disrupted again by the Arms Export Corporation?
"Mr. Grishin, our Mikoyan Design Bureau needs this arms export!" Belyakov said: "Without this money, our 1.44 project will completely lose the possibility of continued construction! Even our Design Bureau
They will all go bankrupt! Please consider our situation!"
Grishen was a little helpless. I just want to raise the price out of habit. You don't have to be so nervous, right?
"That's the total price, but in terms of missiles, there are only one hundred R-73s and one hundred R-27s."
"This is impossible." Qin Tao's attitude is still firm: "As for the missiles, they need to be divided into two batches. One batch will be transported to the Caspian Sea for us to ship and trade, and the other batch needs to be sent to our country."
Qin Tao made it very clear that I was hiding my selfish motives, and half of the missiles were for my own use!
"In this case, the company needs to consider studying it."
"Okay, I'll give you one day. Give me an answer at this time tomorrow. If there's no problem, we can trade tomorrow night. I don't want to get involved in these bullshit bureaucracies. I'm a very straightforward person."
"But, we need to report to our superiors."
"These have nothing to do with me. In short, if there is no reply tomorrow, our deal will fall through."
Qin Tao took Xu Zhengyang out of the office and waited in the car outside, but Belyakov was still there, negotiating something with Grishin.
Soon, Smetanikov, the assistant brought by Belyakov, came out.
"Chief Engineer Belyakov and General Manager Grishin are going to report to their superiors. He sent me to take you back to the Mikoyan Design Bureau. You will stay in our guest house tonight."
"No, we'd better find a hotel to stay in."
"No, he specifically told me to take good care of you."
Qin Tao smiled, is he afraid that we will run away?
"Okay, then let's be respectful instead of obeying orders."