Stealing a MiG-15 - Operation Moolah

During the Korean War, the North American F-86 Sabre was the only jet that could match the MiG-15 in performance. While the Sabre was technologically superior to its Soviet counterpart, the MiG-15 still often outmaneuvered and outgunned the U.S fighter.

American engineers believe that if they had the opportunity to test and analyze the MiG, they might be able to enhance the Sabre's ability to combat it.

With that mindset, the U.S approved "Operation Moolah," which offered 100,000 U.S. dollars (nearly $1 million today) to the enemy pilot who defected from the Communists forces and provided the U.S. with a MiG-15 in good condition. President Eisenhower saw the campaign as unethical but still went forward with placing the plan in newspaper headlines.

Operation Moolah was mostly unsuccessful for multiple reasons, including its lack of appeal to pilots in Communist countries, who were more interested in being offered jobs than money. However, the reward was eventually cashed in by a pilot who defected after the Korean Armistice Agreement. He didn't even know about Operation Moolah or the cash prize that awaited him. He was just looking for a better life in the West, and in return, he provided the U.S with a MiG-15 in perfect shape...