How the US once acquired Soviet MiG-29s in a top-secret mission to prevent Iran from acquiring them
Published on: Sept. 6, 2025, 12:04 a.m. | Source: The Economic Times
In 1997, the U.S. acquired 21 MiG-29 fighters from Moldova for $40 million, preventing their potential sale to Iran. The aircraft were studied by American and Israeli pilots to gain insights into Soviet aviation technology. This deal provided the U.S. with valuable knowledge and prevented a potential destabilizing arms transfer to Iran.
