Ukraine’s state-owned arms manufacturer, Ukroboronprom has offered Russian military personnel a reward of US$1 Million for stealing combat aircraft from the Russian Air Force and $500,000 for bringing in helicopters.
“We guarantee you 1 mln USD for every combat capable stolen or trophy occupiers’ aircraft of the Russian Aerospace Forces (RuAF) and 500,000 USD for every combat helicopter of the Russia’s Aerospace Forces,” a Ukroboronprom statement said.
“To use this opportunity, you need to surrender to Ukrainian authorities along with the military hardware,” the statement said.
“To reach Ukrainian dispatchers, you already know the frequencies,” it said referring to the military communication channels used by the Ukrainians.
Ukraine is severely short of combat aircraft, most which have been lost to bombings by the RuAF. Since its pilots and servicemen are qualified to fly Russian aircraft such as the MiG-29 and Su-27, buying cut-price aircraft by bribing RuAF personnel would be an easy way to acquire fighter jets.