Completely unrelated to the thread, but I had to google this. This seems to be the source https://www.npr.org/2011/06/25/137414737/among-the-costs-of-...

Reading the notes at the bottom, it seems like the number might be somewhat realistic, but should really be called the cost of shipping fuel and securing it to Afghanistan, some of which was probably used for aircon.

My point is $8B in 2022 money for defeating Russia in field is deal of the century.

Yes, I agree, I don't think that $8B is a lot of money for the US, especially in the military context. I was just surprised at the number and shared some back story.

Bargain basement prices!