After hearing the explanation, Mavi nodded and followed Yevgeny to the reception room at the Navy Headquarters, waiting for the admiral's arrival.
About ten minutes later, an imposing Russian officer, his face deeply lined with wrinkles but exuding an air of authority, strode into the reception room. He wore a naval officer's uniform, and the insignia on his shoulders gleamed with grandeur, making it clear at a glance that his rank was exceptionally high.
"Admiral Nikov, you're here." As soon as Colonel Yevgeny saw him enter, he immediately stood up and saluted.
"Hello, Admiral Nikov," Mavi greeted the senior military official politely as he stood up as well.
Admiral Nikov returned Yevgeny's salute before turning to Mavi. His sharp gaze seemed to pierce right through him, sending a slight chill down his spine.
"Mr. Mavi, I've heard that you're the one who proposed this frigate development project?" The admiral's presence alone commanded respect—he was a seasoned warrior, someone who had actually fought and killed on the battlefield, unlike the fresh cadets raised in military academies who looked the part but lacked real combat experience.
"Yes, Admiral Nikov." This was Mavi's first time conversing with a high-ranking officer at such close range, so he remained composed and stuck to the facts.
"Let me introduce you to these gentlemen. These are Dr. Gromov and Dr. Kvashnin from the Central Naval Equipment Design Bureau. They are the scientists assigned to oversee the development of the new frigate."
Admiral Nikov was a man of action, not one to waste time on unnecessary formalities. Soon after meeting Mavi, he signaled for the scientists waiting outside to enter the room.
In his previous life, Mavi had struggled academically and always admired those with top grades. Yet in this lifetime, he found himself discussing military technology alongside doctors from the Central Naval Bureau—proof of how far he had come.
"Mr. Mavi, thank you for your support of the Russian Navy!" Dr. Gromov and Dr. Kvashnin, dressed in somewhat outdated and oversized suits with thick-rimmed glasses, expressed their gratitude as soon as they stepped in.
They had wanted to develop a new frigate for years, but due to the Navy's tight research budget, they never had the chance to bring their vision to life.
"No need to thank me. I'm simply fulfilling my duty as a citizen," Mavi replied humbly.
"Mr. Mavi, you're too modest. Very few businessmen in our country share your sense of duty," Dr. Gromov praised sincerely. He wasn't just being polite—his words reflected reality.
Mavi simply smiled, knowing that today's meeting wasn't about receiving compliments from the Navy. The real purpose was to determine how much money he was willing to invest in the project.
Sure enough, before long, Dr. Gromov and Dr. Kvashnin exchanged a quick glance with Admiral Nikov.
After receiving a subtle nod from the admiral, Dr. Gromov adjusted his glasses and asked, "Mr. Mavi, Dr. Kvashnin and I are planning to develop a replacement for the Grisha-class light frigate, designated as Project 20380. It will be a multi-role light missile frigate with a displacement of 500 to 2,000 tons, classified as a 'Guardian-Class' vessel."
"The ship will be equipped with 30mm to 100mm caliber naval guns, along with radar, electro-optical fire control systems, and modular weapons that can be rapidly swapped depending on the mission—such as anti-submarine equipment. The stern will have dedicated space for handling and storing seized contraband. It will also be capable of carrying helicopters and small boats, allowing it to pursue vessels traveling at speeds below 25 knots…"
As Mavi listened to the detailed introduction, he knew the real discussion was about to begin.
Before he could respond, Dr. Gromov continued, "Mr. Mavi, based on our calculations, the development cost for the Project 20380 missile frigate is approximately $53 million. If I may ask, how much are you willing to contribute?"
In the year 2000, $53 million was actually more expensive than the cost of a Type 956 destroyer by over $2 million. Given the Russian Navy's financial struggles, it was highly unlikely that they could afford the full amount—so now, all eyes were on Mavi to see how much he was willing to invest.
The senior officials were all closely watching this project. If Mavi contributed too little, his reputation within the Russian Navy would take a hit, making it difficult for him to secure future contracts for frigates, destroyers, or even nuclear submarines. His Beihai Shipyard might struggle to receive military orders.
On the other hand, if he invested too much and appeared to overshadow the Navy's role, it could provoke resentment among certain powerful figures.
Admiral Nikov stared at Mavi intently. As a military officer, he didn't particularly enjoy dealing with businessmen. In his eyes, most merchants were profit-driven individuals who only cared about their own interests.
Previously, Mavi had donated two frigates, but those had only cost $6.4 million in total—nothing compared to the massive funding required for R&D. Now was the real test of his patriotism and his commitment to supporting Russia's defense industry.
However, as Admiral Nikov waited for Mavi's response, the young man calmly said, "Admiral Nikov, whatever portion your fleet is willing to contribute, I have no objections. I'll cover the remaining cost through the Mikoyan family's funds."
The moment Mavi finished speaking, Admiral Nikov blinked in surprise. He hadn't expected such a bold and confident response from the young businessman.
And Mavi had phrased it perfectly—he neither embarrassed the Navy by making them seem financially weak, nor did he come across as stingy. Instead, he demonstrated a genuine commitment to supporting national defense.
"Oh? Is that so, Mr. Mavi? Then, if the Navy Headquarters only contributed $3 million, would your Mikoyan family be willing to cover the remaining $50 million?" Admiral Nikov deliberately tested him. Military officials often enjoyed such tactics.
"No problem," Mavi replied without hesitation. He knew the admiral was probing him—there was no way the Russian Navy would contribute such a small amount. Military officers had their pride; they represented the Russian Federation and wouldn't allow themselves to lose face.
Hearing this, Admiral Nikov gave a small smile and clapped his hands. "Excellent! Young man, I'm impressed."
"You flatter me, Admiral Nikov," Mavi responded politely.
"The funding will be split 50-50," the admiral declared.
"Understood." Just as Mavi had predicted, the Navy would never contribute only $3 million—it would be too humiliating.
With both parties agreeing to share the costs equally, Mavi's Beihai Shipyard now had a significant strategic advantage. Once the new frigate was successfully developed, he would have access to international orders.
In fact, even before the ship was completed, Mavi's business acumen and connections within the Russian Navy meant he could secure contracts in advance.
Recently, a group of Dubai businessmen had introduced him to a major new client—India, a nation known for its appetite for military equipment.
Specifically, the Indian Navy was in the market for new warships but had yet to decide which country to purchase from.
The Dubai businessmen had insider knowledge because many wealthy Indians in Dubai had close ties with the military. Since they also knew Mavi and his Russian military connections, the information eventually made its way to him.
India's naval leadership lacked direct diplomatic ties with Russia's navy, meaning they needed an intermediary to facilitate negotiations.
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(End of Chapter)