re: "It's operational"
I was told a story that Soviet engineers who built the MiG-29
would spend a lot of resources and time on the jet fighter itself,
but not for such externals as ladders for the pilot to get in; a
wood and rope ladder would do.
By contrast, the US military would not only invest a lot in making
their own jets, but would also spend a lot on fancy metal ladders
for their pilots to get in and out of their jets.
When you are on a budget, you focus on what matters.