Rebirth of the 1980s: The Military Industry Empire

During Iran's honeymoon period with the United States, they purchased a large number of F-14 Tomcat fighters. However, after relations soured, they became hostile towards the warplanes and their pilots, eager to get rid of the planes as soon as possible. Before they could find a buyer, war broke out.

As a result, these warplanes were put back into service and became their trump card. No other Iraqi warplane could gain an advantage against the Tomcat until the arrival of the Mirage F1, which finally had the ability to face the Tomcat head-on.

However, obtaining parts and supplies for these American-made warplanes was not easy, as only the US Navy used them besides Iran. Iran managed to purchase a batch of accessories from international arms dealers through special channels, and by cannibalizing parts from non-operational planes, they barely managed to maintain a certain number of aircraft.

Now, following the other party's words, Qin Yang continued, "Although we don't have Tomcat fighters, we have MiG-21s!"

"Your J-7s? Those planes are too underperforming, with their nose air intakes, they are meaningless to us." Having grown accustomed to flying the Tomcat fighter and spotting large bomber targets at 300 kilometers, the ace pilot naturally had no interest in planes without radar, relying solely on visual observation of the enemy.

"Indeed, it cannot compare to the Tomcat fighter. However, it has a reliable logistics supply, so there's no need to worry about parts shortages or a lack of missiles. If I'm not mistaken, you've already used up more than half of your Phoenix missiles, haven't you?"

In the history of fighter jets, the Tomcat is one of the most outstanding. Not only is it beautifully designed, but it is also powerful in combat. It possesses the AWG-9 radar with a maximum detection range of 315 kilometers, as well as the Phoenix missile with a range of over 100 kilometers. The combination of the two gave it the ability to snipe enemies at a distance of 100 kilometers. In the 1980s, China could only fire a few tail-chase dogfight missiles with a range of a few kilometers, and France claimed their missiles with a range of 20-30 kilometers were medium-range missiles.

The Tomcat's performance was the most powerful of its time!

However, even the most powerful cannot withstand a war of attrition.

Various records offer different figures, but the most reliable is that by 1979, Iran had received a total of 79 Tomcat fighters and 284 Phoenix missiles. These numbers were very small. Under extreme circumstances, the Tomcat could carry six Phoenix missiles and attack six targets simultaneously. These missiles were not even enough for a full squadron of Tomcats to carry on a single sortie.

"Without the Phoenix, you can only rely on the Sparrow. Once the Sparrow is used up, you're left with the Sidewinder. In the end, a war will devolve into close-range dogfights, or even aerial combat with guns. Our J-7 may not be as good as the Tomcat, but it can still carry close-range dogfight missiles. The Iraqi side is at the same level, so you are evenly matched."

"Moreover, our warplanes are very cheap and can withstand attrition." Qin Yang continued, "It only costs two million US dollars per plane. We are currently introducing Western avionics for upgrades. These upgraded warplanes with Western avionics cost only three million US dollars per plane. Compared to Western warplanes that cost tens of millions, this fighter is very cost-effective."

As Qin Yang spoke, he watched the other party's expression. At this point, the other party had gradually calmed down, shifting from hostility to gradual trust.

"Aren't you afraid of causing a reaction from other countries?"

"Of course not. We have a duty to maintain regional peace. Of course, we also hope to obtain some good things from your side."

If he only came to sell, it wouldn't be worth the trip. Qin Yang came here for another important matter.

"What is it?"

"We want a complete AWG-9 radar." Qin Yang said, "We are willing to exchange a fighter jet for a radar."

"That's impossible. We don't have enough radar for our precious Tomcat fighters."

"Such international negotiations are destined to be lengthy, often taking three to five years. We want to obtain a radar now to study the technology so that we can gain a dominant position in the negotiations." Qin Yang continued to bluff, "At that time, we may even be able to help you improve it, such as hanging Hawk missiles on the Tomcat to use as Phoenix missiles."

The Hawk missile is a surface-to-air missile, while the Phoenix missile is an air-to-air missile. These two were originally unrelated, but in the later stages of the war, Iranian ground crew, lacking Phoenix missiles, actually managed to create it, with Tomcat fighters taking off with Hawk missiles.

Since they could figure it out, it meant that the technologies used were similar. Qin Yang had this information, so he decided to boast first.

"You know that you can use Hawk instead of Phoenix?" Now it was Hashim Al-Agha's turn to be surprised.

"That's right, of course I know."

"How do you know? What is your identity?"

"I said at the beginning that I am the person in charge of a company specializing in import and export trade."

The two communicated in English. Lin Heping couldn't understand, but Nie Xiaoqian was increasingly surprised. Qin Yang knew so much!

There is a world of difference between professions. Qin Yang was only a technician at a small arms factory, so how could he know so much about warplanes?

Moreover, it was clear that the other party was moved!

"Father, I have to go." Hashim Al-Agha had not sat down to eat. Now he was even more eager and turned to Rostam Bor said.

"Where are you going? It's rare to come home for dinner today..." Rostam Bor didn't understand English and didn't know what they were talking about, but then his son left!

"He has important things to do. Let's continue eating." A smile appeared on Qin Yang's face. In any case, this was a good start!

The nose radar, the flat piece in the front is the antenna, and the opened part in the back is the equipment bay.