"Yes, we can sell it! Of course we can sell it!"
Alexei quickly replied.
Without the ability to modernize and upgrade the T-64 series, they can only sell the platform for profit, which is still relying on the old resources of the company.
If those 2,000-plus T-64s had been divided among the family property and given to Er Mao back then, they would have been completely lost!
"Tanks in better condition will be more expensive."
Old A and Xia Yu spoke tactfully.
Even the most expensive T-64B can't compare to the T-80BV. Jihuo Defense can afford it, Boss Xia gestured for the other party to quote a price.
"Type B costs $200,000, while Type A costs $100,000."
Like used cars, tanks of the same model become less valuable as they age, but a beat-up T-64A costing 100,000 is still a bit expensive.
"The T-64B is worth the price. I can only offer 80,000 for the T-64A. I would buy it to use as a target vehicle. It would be pointless if it were too expensive."
Xia Yu shook his head and bargained.
Everyone knows the ropes. In Eastern Europe, a T-72 "zombie car" sells for 50,000 rubles without shipping and 70,000 rubles with shipping. So don't worry about how many rubles the T-64A cost back then; today it's only worth 80,000 dollars.
"Okay, 80,000 it is, consider it clearing out inventory."
Alexei agreed to Xia Yu's price. A T-64A that could be put into operation after maintenance could still be worth about 200,000. The T-64A was not in good condition when it was mothballed, so it could be sold for tens of thousands of yuan now, and it would also free up space.
"But Sherlock, all you want are tanks."
Xia Yu bought nearly 400 tanks today, good and bad. Shouldn't he buy some other things to go with them?
"We also need some armored personnel carriers. Do you have any BTR-80s?"
The storage base for wheeled platforms is not at this base, but since the other party asked, Xia Yu directly stated the requirements.
"Haha, BTR-82S, right? I knew you guys wanted to buy BTR-80 this time."
Alexei wore a smug expression, as if to say, "I knew it."
He had heard about the combat record of this unofficial modified vehicle while he was in North Philippines, and when he asked, it turned out to be a vehicle from Jihuo Defense.
Xia Yu creatively combined the Weasel's 20mm autocannon with the BTR-80 chassis to launch the BTR-82S, a model that was designed to compete with the BTR-82A.
The platforms are almost identical, the only difference being the machine gun. Although the 2A72 has a larger caliber than the RH202, it only has an advantage when firing high-explosive shells.
Only the latest M929 can match the performance of the DM63 when firing the APFSDS-T small steel needle, not to mention its disadvantage in ammunition capacity. Considering all factors, the BTR-82S seems to be slightly stronger.
Jihuo Defense has truly created an excellent competitor. Who would have thought that the autocannons discarded from the previous generation of tracked heavy infantry fighting vehicles could still play a role on a wheeled platform!
Fortunately, these two types of vehicles are not on the same track. Unless you're as poor as those black guys in Afica, you might buy a used tracked vehicle, but you'll definitely buy a new one for a wheeled vehicle.
For example, India, which had previously acquired a batch of second-hand Leopard 2 and Weasel infantry fighting vehicles, spent $90 million last year to purchase 50 brand-new BTR-82A wheeled infantry fighting vehicles, at $1.8 million per vehicle.
They couldn't possibly spend $1.2 million on a BTR-82S because outside of Afica, Firepower Defense can't provide any guarantees other than vehicles.
Equipment performance is secondary when it comes to this guarantee. After all, Russia only charges a cost price of 500,000 for its own BTR-82A. The premium of nearly two and a half times is half profit, and the other half, you know.
"You guessed it! Can you give me a discount? I need a large quantity."
Xia Yu asked with a smile.
He did want a large quantity; initially he only wanted to buy 100 vehicles, but later he found that even doubling that number didn't seem to be enough.
How much exactly?
Alexei can only provide a quote after confirming the demand; the larger the quantity, the cheaper it is.
"400 vehicles!"
Xia Yu held up four fingers.
If doubling wasn't enough, he'd double it again, placing an order for 400 vehicles.
"400 vehicles, did I hear that right? You want 400 vehicles!"
Alexei, who had been laughing and joking, was now completely stunned by Xia Yu.
He knew that the enemy had bought a lot of tanks, and that more than half of them were bought to be used as target practice vehicles. At most, only a little over 100 were actually modified and sold.
No one would buy a BTR-80 as a target vehicle; there are plenty of cheap BTR-60s and BTR-70s around the world. So this means that Xia Yu will convert these 400 BTR-80s into 400 BTR-82s.
This is insane. It would take him three to five years to sell this many cars, and it can't all be on the same platform like this.
Xia Yu stated that it was impossible for all of them to be BTR-82s; he would have to adjust the production of BTR-82s based on the number of old weasels in service and those that had been dismantled.
Furthermore, some customers are still using the old BMP-2 and do not want to add a new caliber of shell to affect logistics, so Jihuo Defense also provides a special version of the BTR-82A.
There are quite a few 2A72 salvaged parts on the underground arms market, and it's not difficult to modify them into third-party BTR-82As. Xia Yu estimates there could be a market for 50 to 100 of them.
Of course, he doesn't need to buy these salvaged parts; he can just find a mother car and print them in bulk.
Yes, it's 400 vehicles, but you can't find them.
Seeing Alexei repeatedly confirm the number, Xia Yu said that this shouldn't be the case; he wasn't looking for a BTR-90, and it's not like old vehicles from the Lannister era are hard to find anyway.
"We have them in stock, but I'm just curious, is Afika in such high demand for wheeled infantry fighting vehicles right now?"
Old A didn't hide his confusion and asked Xia Yu directly.
"To be precise, there is a greater demand for inexpensive wheeled infantry fighting vehicles. The Afica market needs an inexpensive wheeled infantry fighting vehicle that can completely suppress armed pickup trucks and is also fast enough."
Xia Yu also spoke frankly.
The price needs to be cheaper than the BTR-82A for customers to afford it. If it's not a high-stakes battle and human lives aren't valuable, the performance of the Weasel is excessive. Therefore, the cheaper, flimsy wheeled vehicle is more suitable for the locals.
"You're right, we can't sell it that cheap."
Alexei thought about it carefully and realized that he couldn't take this path, so he could only say it frankly.
However, the Libya market is enough for him, so there's no need to develop new markets for the time being. He should focus on completing the next batch of orders first!
"No, I'm different. You have to sell me for a lower price."
Xia Yu, having misunderstood Alexei's meaning, quickly spoke up.
"Haha, it'll definitely be cheap. How about $200,000 for each one that's 80% new?"
Old A smiled and gave a quote for the BTR-80.
It looks as expensive as a T-64B, but this vehicle can be started and driven immediately, and it doesn't require any maintenance before it can be put into battle.
In peacetime, Russia has an absolute surplus of armored vehicles. They even have too many BTR-80s in storage. Russia simply removed the 14.5mm machine guns from the turrets and sold them to civilians.
Although it can't compare to tracked vehicles, the eight-wheeled vehicles are definitely better off-road than those four-wheeled off-road vehicles, and they are less delicate to use, so their sales figures are naturally quite good.
However, the muddy ground in spring still requires the MT-LB. Once the machine gun is removed, it becomes a civilian version, which is much more useful than a tractor.
"That's 80 million then, how about throwing in some more accessories?"
Xia Yu agreed to the price and wanted to squeeze out a little more profit.
"Sure, how about 50 sets of tires, engines, and transmissions?"
Alexei readily agreed.
"That's fine then. I won't go this time. I trust your character."
Xia Yu was also very pleased, after all, they were long-term partners.
"Oh, and also get me 10 of the best-condition PT-76s and 12 BTR-50PKs. The price will be calculated separately."
Remembering the request from the Marine Corps of Busa, Xia Yu brought it up again.
The car was so old it wasn't worth much, and he wasn't thinking of making extra money; he was just doing a favor.
"Okay, there are quite a few PT-76s available, but BTR-50PKs are a bit hard to find. I'll make a call and ask."
Alexei then took out his satellite phone and dialed the number.
If it weren't for the need for a shared platform, the BTR-80 with an underwater thruster could actually replace the BTR-50PK, but the BTS Marine Corps only had a limited budget, so they could still use the old vehicles after some repairs.
"Found them, just give them 3 million each."
Alexei said this after he finished the phone call.
His offer wasn't high, but the inventory vehicles still needed to be prepared to be usable, and they would have to wait until the next batch was shipped together with the BTR-80.
The first batch of tanks consisted of T-80BVs with their hulls and turrets separated, which needed to be assembled. It would take at most a week to complete, during which time Alexei could find a ship.
In addition, Xia Yu also asked him to get a set of fossil heavy explosion anti-tank equipment, which can be modified into a genuine T-80BVM in the future.
The T-80 gas turbine is indeed impressive, but given that its quantity cannot create an advantage, a diesel engine solution would be a more prudent choice.
Once the company's T-64B1M is in the museum, Xia Yu will definitely need to bring two T-80BVMs to fill the gap, and the T-80U will serve as the platoon command vehicle.
As for the Leclerc UAE, he had already spoken with Haman Dan, and she could squeeze out a maximum of 5 used cars, which, together with the company's original car, would make 6 cars.
Based on the three-vehicle system, that's two platoons. With the T-80BVM as a supplement, the company's front-line armored forces can be developed into four platoons, which is equivalent to a reinforced tank company.
Add a reinforced infantry company, two anti-aircraft vehicles, and some miscellaneous logistical armored units, and you have a low-spec version of a combined arms battalion.
This level of frontline force is sufficient; having more would be a waste. It would be better to disperse and station them at various mines under the mining company.
Non-self-operated cooperative mines can also hire armored patrol forces from Jihuo Defense. Relying solely on the local government army is not enough; having artillery in one's own hands provides a greater sense of security than anything else.
After nearly a week of wandering around the 1295th Central Tank Repair and Storage Base with his wife and children, Alexei's convoy finally arrived.
First, the 100 T-80BVs in good condition were transported to the port in batches, and then it was the turn of those T-80BVs with their heads and bodies randomly attached.
They were all T-80s, and they had all spent decades in this frontier tank graveyard, but their final outcomes were very different.
Vehicles that can be salvaged can be put back into service, while those that require twice the man-hours to assemble can only become target vehicles.
"Honey, our family has more main battle tanks than many countries' armored forces, doesn't it?"
Watching the T-80BV being towed to the port, Liv, holding her child, looked towards Xia Yu.
"That's true, but we're like dealers; our goal is to sell these repaired tanks for profit, not to use them ourselves."
Xia Yu corrected his wife's mistake.
Furthermore, his summarized views on equipment finance are limited to NATO clients. Russia, which received the largest share of the alliance's assets, certainly wouldn't lack tanks and armored vehicles, would it?
Well, who knows what might happen if it turns into a messy war? On a battlefield where there's no generational gap in equipment, even the most advanced weapons are just consumables.
The reason why Jihuo Defense has not lost much equipment over the years is because of its ability to use overwhelming force. If Russia can use overwhelming force in Syria, it may not be able to break through the tactics if the target is someone taught by the same master.
Or should he buy more?
Xia Yu realized he was being a bit conservative and wanted to order more stock, but after calming down a bit, he found that the quantity he was buying this time was not small.
If there are any more, exceeding 1,000 vehicles in total, it would be too sensitive to view from a satellite.
So you can buy ground equipment, but you can't buy these cheap ones; you have to choose the expensive ones.
For example...
"Alexei, how much do you sell your Tunguskas for?"
Xia Yu finally managed to get information about this classic anti-aircraft vehicle that combines missiles and guns; this expensive vehicle wasn't stored in the Far East.
"Dude, haven't you guys always used Cheetahs?"
Old A didn't expect Xia Yu to be interested in Tunguska. He thought that Chinese people only liked double 35mm lenses, and that the previous quad 23mm lenses had all been changed to 25mm lenses.
"The Cheetah is too expensive. I bought a batch with the intention of reselling it in the future. If I'm just using it to shoot consumer drones, your Tunguska is more suitable."
Xia Yu explained to Alexei.
To be honest, they do have this need. Their main force is protected by the Red Cheetah, but their mining farms only have the Weasel S3 and BTR-82S.
If each drone were equipped with an anti-aircraft vehicle, people would feel safer in this era where consumer drones are becoming increasingly weaponized.
"That's right. Last year I helped Mr. Yevgeny prepare three Tunguskas."
Alexei nodded in agreement, unaware that it was Xia Yu who had suggested it.
"How many do you want? Because they are equipped with anti-aircraft missiles, the Tunguska is more expensive than the Cheetah. I must state this first."
Missiles are never cheap. The 9M311 anti-aircraft missile has a longer range than the Igla-S, so even an older one costs nearly 100,000 yuan per missile.
However, bulk orders receive a discount; Alexei can offer a discount of up to $50,000, which would bring the price of one car to $400,000.
Of course, Xia Yu can also choose the improved 9m311-m1, which can shoot up to 10 kilometers away.
"I understand. I want to buy 12 air defense vehicles and 6 ammunition transport and supply vehicles, two maintenance vehicles will suffice, and the missiles they carry only need to be half a basic number."
Xia Yu stated his requirements, without looking at the auxiliary vehicles; these were two Tunguska air defense systems.
Back then, an air defense vehicle could sell for 16 million yuan, and a complete set would cost 100 million yuan. But now, like the Cheetah, they've all become relics of the past.
Today, only the S1 Armor can still sell for this price. The old Tunguska armor has been halved, halved again, and halved once more, and can't even sell for a fraction of what it used to be.
"Without missiles, a single vehicle sells for 1.5 million; with half a load, which is 4 missiles, it sells for 1.7 million; 6 vehicles sell for 10.2 million."
Alexei took out his phone, opened the calculator, and pressed a few keys to get the first result: 10.2 million.
"Eight ammunition vehicles and eight repair vehicles will cost 4 million, and two sets will cost a total of 24 million."
Goodness, six cars plus five auxiliary vehicles can't even sell for the price of one car back then. That's a pretty steep discount!
Alexei had no choice. He wanted to sell it for a higher price, but with the cheetah as a control group, his price couldn't be too high. If it was too high, no one would buy it; everyone would buy the cheetah instead.
However, back then, a significant portion of the 100 million yuan per set went to kickbacks for the third brother, so thinking about it that way, the loss wasn't that great.
"Okay, $24 million it is."
Xia Yu nodded, indicating that the deal was done.
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