Russian billionaire Sergey Shmotev, CEO of the Foras company, has announced his readiness to offer 15 million rubles for the first downed American F-16 fighter jet provided to Ukraine. This bold pledge was reported by TASS, emphasizing how such contributions will support the Russian military efforts amid the current conflict.
Shmotev articulated his support by stating, "This reward is our contribution to support those who risk their lives for the safety of the Motherland." The company has previously supported Russian forces, evidencing their commitment to military assistance as they have already issued rewards for destroyed tanks made by Western manufacturers.
On December 26, reports surfaced indicating the potential downing of the F-16 military jet over the Zaporizhia region. According to Vladimir Rogov, head of the commission concerning sovereignty and veteran support within the Russian Public Chamber, the incident occurred at the time the jet aimed to conduct missile strikes against liberated areas of Zaporizhia. While the Russian Defense Ministry remained silent on the matter, Rogov declared, “Good news from the front. Preliminary data suggests the F-16 was shot down.”
F-16s, crafted initially back in 1974, have been employed extensively since 1978, witnessing service with 24 countries, including the United States and now Ukraine. The Ukrainian military received these jets as part of Western military support, with the first application of these aircraft reportedly occurring on August 26 to intercept Russian missiles. Awful news for the pilot occurred on the same day, as one F-16 was reported downed not by enemy fire, but during chaos stemming from bombardment.
The incentive for downing these aircraft isn’t unprecedented. Earlier this year, during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Shmotev reminded attendees of the company’s previously issued financial rewards for downing Western tanks, going as high as 5 million rubles for the first tank and 500 thousand rubles for subsequent ones. Shmotev underscored, “The payment goes directly to the military.”
Shmotev stressed the importance of such actions as he expressed gratitude for the patriotism of Russian soldiers, promising continued support. The company Foras has maintained its commitment as Roque highlighted its history of fulfilling promises made to soldiers for various military accomplishments, including those tied to previously downed tanks.
Details surrounding the monetary reward for destroying F-16s add layers to the narratives surrounding military engagement as Russian forces continue to counteract the influx of advanced Western weaponry. Analysts and military experts speculate about the operational impact of these developments, particularly as Ukraine looks to receive additional F-16s over the next couple of years.
According to expectations, Ukraine hopes to receive around 20 F-16s by the end of 2024, with completion of its order — totaling 76 jets — slated for 2025. This influx of fighter jets is anticipated to shift the dynamics of the battlefield significantly, focusing attention on the financial aspects supporting opposing military factions.
“The payment for the downed F-16 is our input to support those who risk their lives daily,” said Shmotev as the Foras company confirmed their readiness to pay the promised sum, awaiting official word from the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation.
While official statistics are pending confirmation from higher military authority, the reported downing stands as recognition of the shifting intricacies inherent to modern warfare, where monetary compensation intertwines seamlessly with traditional combat. Expect discussions around the impact of non-state incentives on military morale and operational effectiveness to intensify, as Russia and Ukraine continue to engage across multiple fronts.
