During the Third World War, the Soviet Union did not find a need for Spy planes, as their psychic corps granted them equal intelligence gathering ability. The Allied treaty also disabled the Soviet Air Force. Following Yuri's defection however, the Soviet Union needed a way to undertake field reconnaissance without the need for psychic powers. They eventually settled upon bringing back a fast, hard to intercept spy plane. As Russia had ceased the development of field airstrips, the Spy Plane was built and maintained away from the battlefield.