Russia Tried to Buy Dairy Products with Nuclear Subs

You may therefore imagine what a nuclear submarine might be valued in terms of trade, given what you know about what it might cost. Sometimes, especially with older military surplus products, these things do occur. A nation might want to sell some of its outdated products to another nation that lacks the capacity to create them on par of newer, better technology. Russia attempted to accomplish this in a deal with New Zealand.

However, the agreement in question did not involve New Zealand's desire to purchase older nuclear submarines from Russia. Instead, Russia was attempting to settle a loan. New Zealand had been providing dairy to the Soviet Union prior to the fall of the Soviet Union during the Cold War. They owed the Kiwis $100 million by 1993. Russia offered trade in place of payment in an effort to pay their enormous cheese bill. They offered a nuclear submarine and two fighter jets. Since New Zealand is vehemently opposed to nuclear power, it should come as no surprise that the offer was rejected.