Back in 1978, I was admitted to Northwestern Polytechnical University.

Chapter 53 One thought it was military aid, the other wanted to make money.
“Yes!” Shafiq took a deep breath. “It’s not that our weapons aren’t advanced enough, or that we don’t have enough troops, but… people! We’re a disorganized mess, everyone has their own agenda, and we can’t work together. We decided to withdraw because we saw the state of the Arab world…”

and many more!

Is something wrong? Did you focus on tactical aspects, but the other side steered you towards a strategic direction? These are two different things!

"That's right, exactly. Look at our Eastern Air Force, we never hesitate in battle. During air combat, we dare to go toe-to-toe with bayonets. We never complain about our equipment. As long as we have the courage to fight to the death, we can defeat any enemy!"

Seeing that he had fooled them enough, Qin Liang added a cliffhanger: "Of course, the MiG-21 has great potential. When you visit our J-7, you will know that it is different from the MiG-21!"

"That's right, our improvements are significant!" Old Gu chimed in from the side. The J-8 is a twin-engine version of the J-7, and also a modified version of the MiG-21!
"Everyone, seeing is believing. If you have time, come with us!" Qin Liang pressed on, "Trust me, this trip to the East will definitely not disappoint you!"

"Well..."

Just as Shafik was deep in thought, suddenly, an Eastern staff member rushed in and whispered something in Commander Tang's ear. His expression changed instantly: "Old Gu, Old Tu, we have to go back!"

After apologizing to Shafik, the group left in a hurry. Once in the car, the two men finally asked, "Old Tang, what exactly happened?"

"Leader Zhang is here. He wants us to go and report to him!"

The higher-ups attach great importance to this trip to Egypt to receive the MiG-21 and MiG-23 aircraft, so much so that Leader Zhang even found an excuse to visit Egypt!
Time was tight, and there was no preparation. They could only prepare their words in the car. When they arrived at the embassy, ​​the three of them reported in turn.

Leader Zhang nodded, and the reception work proceeded in a tense but orderly manner. Moreover, thanks to yesterday's incident, the Egyptian side was very cooperative. It seems that this trip will go very smoothly!

"Old Tu, is there anything else?"

Tu Lao took a deep breath: "Yes, Leader Zhang, after contacting Egypt, we found that their equipment will soon be in an awkward situation of lacking spare parts due to the lack of Soviet support. At this time, Egypt needs to upgrade its fleet, and we hope to take this opportunity to sell the J-7 to them!"

“Great!” Leader Zhang nodded: “We were worried that supporting two projects at the same time would be a bit difficult, especially the major facelift of the Super 7.”

"You agreed to sell the plane? That's great! Leader Zhang, can we introduce the Super-7 to them?" Old Tu exclaimed excitedly. The higher-ups would allocate funds for military aid, but only for production costs. If this were sold… that would be a huge profit, in US dollars!
"Leader Zhang, we'd like to apply to introduce the J-8 fighter jet to Egypt!" Old Gu was also anxious. If selling airplanes were really allowed, who wouldn't want to sell? This would be a great opportunity to earn foreign exchange!

"The J-7 and J-8 are not feasible for now. These are key projects for the Air Force and require a meeting to discuss. Old Tu, whether you can persuade the Egyptian guests to come over depends on you!"

"Yes! With Qin Liang here, we can definitely do it!" Old Tu said excitedly.

Next to a MiG-21MF fighter jet being dismantled at Benisuev Air Base.

"The ejection escape system of the MiG-21 fighter jet is very outdated, especially the early models, it's practically a living coffin! If you order the J-7 fighter jets produced in the East, you can also choose Martin-Baker ejection seats, which have zero-ejection capability and can better save the pilot's life..." Tu Lao and the others had all left, which was a bit impolite. Qin Liang wouldn't let the Egyptians feel slighted, so in the afternoon, he continued to explain to the Egyptians while working, and Shafik listened very attentively with great interest.

"Western seats can be installed as an option?" Shafik's eyes widened. "Western equipment can be installed on Soviet-made fighter jets?"

"Of course, our integration capabilities are very strong. Sidewinder missiles can be mounted on the J-6, and Martin-Baker ejection seats can be installed on the J-7. It's quite normal!" Qin Liang said enthusiastically. "We also plan to purchase advanced avionics from the West to upgrade the J-7. After the upgrade, its combat capability will reach a new level!"

How to modify it?

"For example, we will equip them with head-up displays, have hot-wire aiming capabilities for machine guns, and install advanced airborne radar... Our modified aircraft can be guaranteed to remain relevant for at least twenty years!"

“We are very interested in this modified aircraft! As for the modification costs… we can help with that!” Shafik looked at his secretary beside him: “Make arrangements so we can go together after the Easterners leave! I can’t wait!”

"In that case, we might as well just use a transport plane to send the plane back. Alas, it's a pity that we don't have such a large transport plane in the East..."

"We have it in Egypt!"

………………

As the sun set, Commander Tang and his two companions returned to Benisuev Air Base. They had been delayed again today, and the dismantling work would have to continue until at least 10 p.m.

But... when they returned to the hangar, the group was somewhat taken aback as they looked at the two planes with their wings removed.

According to the original plan, each part needs to be tested and then disassembled one by one. The first thing to be disassembled should be the avionics equipment in the nose section, which should be taken out, put into boxes, and sorted. But what about now?
They just removed the wings. What are they trying to do?

"Qin Liang, what's going on here?" Commander Tang looked at Qin Liang, who was directing everyone's work. Everyone else was used to following the rules step by step, but Qin Liang was the exception...

"Commander Tang, it's like this," Qin Liang said. "After you left, we talked with General Shafik for a long time. They attach great importance to the trip to the East to inspect fighter jets, so they decided to provide two transport planes to transport the planes with their wings removed back to us! They will then travel back to the East with us on those transport planes..."

What?
You little punk, you fooled the Egyptians into sending two transport planes? And you even tricked them into going to the East for an inspection right now?

Qin Liang smiled. This wasn't actually difficult. After all, in the minds of the Egyptians, they probably still thought the East was providing military aid, at most just a modification fee. To fill the gap in their air force, they might need hundreds of J-7s. Providing them with two transport planes was just a matter of reciprocity!

I wonder if they'll start cursing when they find out they can only buy it...

(End of this chapter)