It's important to understand that the Russian Pacific Fleet only has three Sovremenny-class destroyers in total. As for the six large destroyers in the Kuznetsov carrier battle group, it's almost laughable—those were pieced together from the Northern Fleet and the Black Sea Fleet after they combined forces.
Meanwhile, the Baltic Fleet, which is also one of Russia's four major fleets, has only two Sovremenny-class destroyers.
So Mavi's donation of four destroyers alone exceeds a third of the Russian Navy's active destroyers! The boost to the navy's overall strength is self-evident.
"No need to be polite, Admiral Nikolaev. This is just a token of appreciation from the Mikoyan family," Mavi replied humbly. Owning both the Black Sea Shipyard and the Northern Shipyard, he could build four Sovremenny-class destroyers for just $260 million. As for maintenance costs, they were negligible—he owned the shipyards, after all, so it barely cost him anything.
However... these four destroyers were just a small gift for the Russian Navy. His second gift was something that would make the Russian admirals and captains in front of him jump for joy!
"That's right, Admiral Nikolaev, Captain Pavekel, Captain Kukov, Captain Toporov—I have a second gift for your fleet."
"My Black Sea Shipyard has decided to build two more Kuznetsov-class aircraft carriers and donate them to you. Furthermore, the maintenance and upkeep costs for both carriers will be covered annually by the Mikoyan family," Mavi announced casually in front of everyone.
The moment he said this, Admiral Nikolaev and the gathered naval officers widened their eyes in shock, staring at him without blinking!
Two 60,000-ton conventionally powered aircraft carriers? Those would sell for at least $7 billion each on the international market! Even if he managed to keep the cost down to $400 million per carrier, that was still an enormous sum for the Russian Navy!
"Two... two Kuznetsov-class aircraft carriers!? Are you serious?"
"This means that all four of our fleets will have carrier battle groups?" Admiral Nikolaev's first thought was that, with the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier currently under construction, all four of Russia's major fleets would now have their own carriers!
This was a massive leap in overall strength! Even if they encountered the U.S. Navy's 5th or 6th Fleet, the Russian Navy would finally have the capability to stand their ground!
"Mr. Mavi! Thank you so much! I don't even know how to express my gratitude!" Admiral Nikolaev nearly stepped forward to hug Mavi. These two gifts had completely overwhelmed the Russian Navy with excitement...
"No need to thank me, Admiral Nikolaev! Contributing to national defense is simply my duty," Mavi responded, feeling somewhat moved by the admiral's enthusiasm.
Two Kuznetsov-class aircraft carriers, plus four Sovremenny-class destroyers, cost him a total of just $1.06 billion. For Mavi, whose net worth had already exceeded $100 billion, this wasn't even 1% of his wealth—barely a drop in the ocean.
Rather than keeping that money in his pocket, he chose to invest in the Russian Navy's four fleets, strengthening their overall power. A stronger nation meant a stronger backing for him in the future. Additionally, it was his way of showing appreciation for the navy's efforts in the recent conflict.
As for the annual maintenance costs? That was the "bond" tying Mavi and the Russian Navy together. By covering those expenses, he was solidifying his close relationship with the navy, ensuring an unbreakable, long-term friendship...
"Mr. Mavi, we truly don't know how to repay this kindness!" Captains Pavekel, Kukov, and Toporov all stepped forward to shake Mavi's hand. Thanks to his generosity, the Russian Navy's overall strength had increased dramatically.
If the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force dared to provoke them again, there wouldn't even be a need to send Tu-95 bombers—the two new carriers alone would be enough to send them scurrying back home...
The news of Mavi's donation—two 60,000-ton conventionally powered aircraft carriers and four Sovremenny-class destroyers—quickly reached the Russian President.
"Mr. President, I have great news! I just received a call from Navy Headquarters—Mr. Mavi has decided to donate four Sovremenny-class destroyers and two Kuznetsov-class aircraft carriers! Not only that, but he will personally cover all maintenance and repair costs for the six warships in the future."
The National Security Advisor, Mikhail, excitedly reported to the President in his office.
"Two Kuznetsov-class aircraft carriers?" The busy Russian President lifted his head slightly upon hearing the news.
"Yes, Mr. President!" Mikhail nodded enthusiastically.
"Call a press conference immediately—I want to announce this to the world." The Russian President was deeply impressed by Mavi's patriotic gesture.
By publicly announcing that Russia was acquiring two 60,000-ton aircraft carriers, he aimed to send a clear message to those who were constantly scheming against Russia: think twice before picking a fight.
They'd better reconsider any plans of stirring up trouble, or else they'd be taught a lesson... again.
---
After donating six warships to the Russian Navy, Mavi still had an astronomical $5 billion sitting in his bank account, waiting to be spent.
Meanwhile, Manchester United had already become his property, and the Los Angeles Lakers were now under his name as well.
Over the next three days, Mavi took his Bombardier Global Express jet to both the UK and the U.S., personally meeting the star players of his two newly acquired teams.
For example, David Beckham, Paul Scholes, and legendary Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson... And over in Los Angeles, Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal...
Because of the recent naval conflict between Russia and Japan, when the players met Mavi in person, they were all exceptionally reserved—none of them displayed the confidence or arrogance they usually had on the field.
After all, they knew who Mavi was. He was a Russian arms tycoon. When he was in danger, the Russian Navy and Air Force had deployed an aircraft carrier, nuclear-powered submarines, and Tu-95 strategic bombers just to rescue him!
That kind of background? Way beyond what their previous club owners could even dream of.
"There's no need to be so formal. I'm actually pretty easygoing. Just focus on performing well this season," Mavi reassured them.
But standing before him, the players from Manchester United and the Lakers remained cautious, nodding respectfully.
Seeing their behavior, Mavi couldn't help but chuckle. It was clear—once a man's status and power reached a certain level, some things could never go back to the way they were.
(End of Chapter)