Chapter 135
Chapter 135
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 135
Chapter Title: A Tug-of-War
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[Here are the latest headlines. The delegation negotiating crude oil supplies with Saudi Arabia and the UAE returned to the country yesterday after achieving successful results. The Blue House commended their efforts...]
[This morning, the Blue House abruptly dismissed the Foreign Minister, holding him responsible for the sexual misconduct incident at the Italian embassy. While some in the ruling party speculate this is a reprimand against Representative Lee Pil-yong for opposing government policy,
the administration has actively denied these claims and made it clear that the primary contributor to stabilizing the Middle East oil supply was not Minister Lee Hoon-jae, but Chairman Jin Hyun-seung of Jaewoo Group.]
For a while after my return, the political world was in an uproar over Minister Lee Hoon-jae's dismissal.
With a close aide to the ruling party's leader out of the picture, the ruling party pressured the government, while the opposition was busy fanning the flames of another's house fire.
Thanks to all this, the truly important issue of Iran's oil payments was pushed to the back burner. From the looks of it, that problem was increasingly likely to become a long-term challenge.
“A seawater desalination project?”
The next day, at a meeting convened at Jaewoo Group, my conversation with Mohammed of the UAE became the main topic.
It wasn't just about the desalination project, but also the Dubai development issue, which had recently begun to pick up speed.
Mohammed wanted Jaewoo to actively participate in that endeavor, and today's meeting was the starting gun.
“It seems the time has come for Jaewoo Construction to make its grand move.”
Jin Hyun-cheol, the Vice Chairman and CEO of Jaewoo Construction, showed a great deal of enthusiasm.
Well, with tens of billions of dollars on the line, it was only natural to be ambitious.
Believing it was right for Jin Hyun-cheol to take responsibility for that part, I actively encouraged him.
“You'll have to take full charge of the Dubai construction project, brother. And have Jaewoo Heavy Industries submit a proposal for the desalination project soon.”
Hyun-cheol and the CEO of Jaewoo Heavy Industries immediately nodded at my words.
While the urban construction project was one thing, the desalination project was particularly on my mind, so I turned to the CEO of Heavy Industries again.
“CEO Yang Jin-yong. No matter how much know-how we have in building desalination plants, you must not let your guard down.”
“Of course. I'll do my absolute best.”
CEO Yang stood up, reaffirming his commitment.
He was once a living witness to this nation's heavy industry history and an unrivaled figure in the plant sector.
It was precisely for that reason I had appointed him CEO of Heavy Industries, and looking back now, it seemed to have been a wise decision.
“Chairman, the working-level negotiation team from Nokid Martin has arrived.”
A few days later, a delegation arrived to amend the contract for the development of a light attack aircraft based on the T-50.
Since KAI was the original manufacturer of the T-50, the government had designated me as part of our side's working group.
Because of that, I headed to the meeting place as soon as I heard the news.
[A pleasure to meet you. I'm Eric Bacon, Director of External Affairs at Nokid Martin.]
The man who introduced himself as the head of Nokid's working group was a complete stranger.
Around his mid-forties, perhaps?
A slender face with silver hair that suited him remarkably well, and a slim build.
Aside from looking like he had quite a temper, he had a likable style.
[I'm Jin Hyun-seung.]
After a brief handshake with him, the working-level discussions began immediately.
The working-level staff were in charge of the main proceedings.
For a while, I stayed back and simply listened to their conversation.
[We will begin discussions on the radar upgrade for the T-50 based light attack aircraft, the increase in airframe weight and area, and the addition of aerial refueling capabilities.]
The increase in airframe size and weight had already been agreed upon in my discussions with Jack.
Development as a single-seater, not a two-seater.
And expanding the overall size as much as possible within the limits of the engine's thrust.
Calculations showed it would still be smaller than an F-16.
And since the original airframe was quite small for its engine thrust, this wasn't an issue. The additional agreement on that part went smoothly, but when it came to the weapons control systems…
...especially the issue of granting multirole capabilities, the tug-of-war was intense.
[What kind of nonsense is this? You're saying you want to limit its air-to-air armament now?]
Our representative, Colonel Ahn Joong-hwan of the Ministry of National Defense, protested Nokid's sudden change of stance on limiting the air-to-air weaponry.
Just when I thought things were going well.
Wondering what excuse they would come up with this time, I silently watched Eric's lips.
[According to our prior agreements, the T-50 based light attack aircraft will be nearly on par with an upgraded F-16. That in itself was a major concession on our part. If you then equip it with Korea's short-range
air-to-air missile developed from the Archer, and the ducted ramjet-type medium-range air-to-air missile, it would be over-specced beyond the F-16. Wouldn't that be a violation of the clause?]
[......]
At those words, Colonel Ahn Joong-hwan was left speechless.
Objectively speaking, he wasn't wrong.
Seeing that they seemed quite prepared, I finally stepped in.
[I appreciate your many concessions. However, there is one thing I must point out.]
Eric's gaze fixed on me as I interjected.
I immediately shook the contract in my hand and spoke again.
[Is there a clause in this contract that states the armament's performance cannot exceed that of an F-16?]
[What?]
Eric looked quite flustered by my question.
[As you can see, the clauses specified in this contract are limited to the airframe hardware itself. In other words, there is no detailed mention of the armaments to be equipped. Therefore, the overall performance
increase resulting from the installation of better weaponry is not a matter for debate.]
[......]
This time, it was Eric who was rendered speechless.
It might sound like sophistry, but what could he do? The contract itself contained such a loophole.
It was their fault for not considering the increase in overall combat capability based on armament performance in the first place. But in truth, it was likely a result of overconfidence rather than a mistake.
Simply put, when this contract was drafted, we were entirely dependent on American armaments, so there was no reason to add such a clause.
[That's just twisting words...]
[It's not twisting words; it's a fact. Is there a single thing I've said that contradicts this contract?]
[......]
Eric bit his lip and fell silent.
Time to drive the point home.
Shaking the contract again, I continued.
[If the clause really bothers you, then you could just equip the F-16 with the armaments we've developed. Wouldn't that solve this neatly without the need for such arguments?]
[......]
******
The meeting with the working group ultimately concluded on the terms I had hoped for.
The overall airframe hardware would be close to that of the F-16s currently being upgraded.
And the combat systems would be able to integrate the ones we developed.
However, there was one condition: any foreign sales would require full consultation with Nokid.
This was an unavoidable consequence, given that Nokid was the main parts supplier—a form of partial joint development.
“Still, it's quite surprising, isn't it? That they would back down this much.”
CEO Kim Young-gi, who had observed the previous day's meeting, commented on Nokid's surprisingly compliant attitude.
True, in the history of negotiations with the United States, our country had never secured a clear advantage in anything.
Furthermore, this negotiation was, on the surface, about overturning an already agreed-upon contract.
For someone who knew better than anyone that this had never been possible before, it must have felt truly unfamiliar.
“Even though we were overturning the contract, it was ultimately based on its existing clauses. Besides, it's also true that we've now gained enough strength to argue for correcting what's unreasonable.”
“But according to this agreement, there's a high chance our light attack aircraft will obstruct the F-16 market.”
CEO Kim still seemed unconvinced on that point.
I couldn't blame him.
Unlike in the original history, development was now proceeding with a single-seat model, not a two-seater.
Moreover, with the application of conformal fuel tanks and aerial refueling capabilities, the range issue was solved. Excluding the engine, it would be on par with an upgraded F-16.
In the end, they were taking on a huge risk, and he couldn't understand why they had finally agreed.
“As I said before, they themselves created the grounds for renegotiation, so they have to bear the burden of any errors in the clauses that arise from it.”
“......”
“Besides, it was stipulated from the beginning that 40% of the major components for the T-50 based light attack aircraft, including the engine, would be supplied by American defense contractors. I think that was the deciding factor.”
“......”
“Think about it. When the U.S. is already getting a large piece of the pie, what reason do they have to be difficult?”
“What if we end up completely encroaching on the F-16 market?”
“Honestly, that's not very likely. It might be an option for countries short on cash, but in most cases, it would be common sense to choose the F-16 for its operational efficiency.”
“......”
“With thousands of F-16s in operation, it has a clear advantage in terms of continuous parts supply and other operational efficiencies. Plus, it's an aircraft whose performance has been combat-proven. So, any group with sound judgment
would naturally choose the F-16. They probably know that, which is why they allowed this.”
CEO Kim scratched his cheek at my words.
His expression seemed to say, 'Is that really so?'
Though I was defending their position, I honestly couldn't be sure about that part myself.
If we were to field the FA-50 and prove its operational efficiency, the situation would change.
Even if competing on equal footing would be difficult, we could definitely capture the niche market.
“Well, only time will tell if their thinking was right or wrong. Anyway, isn't it about time we get going?”
“Ah!”
At my last words, CEO Kim quickly glanced at his watch.
We were scheduled to go to the Blue House to report the results.
As he quickly gathered the agreement with Nokid, he suddenly looked at me as if a thought had struck him.
“What is it? Is something wrong?”
“No, it's just... I was thinking, how about we get you a private helicopter, Chairman? You often have business trips to the provinces, and you can't just travel by car forever.”
Since the topic had come up so unexpectedly, it was hard to make a quick decision.
For work efficiency, it was obviously the right choice, but to be honest, I have a trauma related to helicopters.
It was a long time ago, I think, back when the current CEO Ahn was the director of the NIS.
I still can't forget the motion sickness that came from the vibrations I felt through my whole body back then.
“Is there a suitable aircraft available?”
The problem was that my mouth uttered words different from my thoughts.
As expected, my habit of prioritizing efficiency had suppressed my instincts.
Just as I was about to let out a hollow laugh inwardly, CEO Kim spoke again.
“As it happens, Chairman Lee of Samjung has expressed his intention to transfer one of the aircraft his group operates. He said something along the lines of, 'How long is the richest man in Korea going to travel to the provinces by car?' He called it a transfer, but the price he
offered is practically free.”
It was most likely a bribe.
Stemming from his desire for the continued support of Mirae Fund, which had become one of the top three shareholders of Samjung Electronics.
It's not like I should look a gift horse in the mouth; I saw no reason to refuse a present from a chaebol.
“Let's do that. What's the worst that can happen? I'll just puke my guts out.”
“......”
******
“They even agreed to integrate our armaments?”
A short while later, the President's face lit up when I reported that part to him.
It was a natural reaction, since in that case, while it might be called a low-tier fighter, it was practically like securing another 4.5th generation aircraft.
But for some reason, his expression soon darkened, and he stared at me blankly.
“But about this part... making it capable of aerial refueling. That's all well and good, but we don't have any aerial tankers, do we?”
“That's right. So we need to acquire them.”
“......”
The President stared at me with a bewildered expression.
Even I thought I might have said it with an overly brazen look on my face.
But their acquisition was only a matter of time anyway.
My words came from the thought that if we were going to solve the FA-50 issue, we might as well solve the aerial tanker issue too.
“Chairman Jin, you have a rather quirky side to you sometimes.”
“I do?”
“Aren't you doing it right now? As if you're demanding something I've been holding for you.”
I responded with a faint smile.
What was he thinking? The President wore a serious expression for a moment before finally speaking again.
“Is it possible to develop an aerial tanker domestically?”
“No, that wouldn't be the right choice in terms of either time or efficiency. That's why I propose we acquire the aircraft currently being developed by Airbus.”
“Airbus?”
“Yes, it's an aircraft being developed based on the A330-200. Rumor has it that its maiden flight will be possible around the year after next.”
“You're suggesting we acquire an Airbus aircraft instead of a Boeing one?”
The President asked back, sounding surprised.
For me, it was only natural to advocate for a proven aircraft.
I nodded firmly and said.
“Yes. I can't speak for other things, but for the aerial tanker, I strongly recommend the one from Airbus.”
I could say that with confidence because I knew the history.
At this point in time, Boeing's aircraft would eventually become obsolete within a few years, even if it wasn't apparent right away.
Of course, Boeing would also develop an aircraft called the KC-46 in the mid-2010s, but who had time to wait for that?
“Hmm...”
Time wasn't the only problem.
It would be one thing if the development was successful.
In its early stages, the KC-46 was an aircraft with so many problems—not just delivery delays—that even the U.S. Air Force refused to accept it.
Of course, it's true that its performance would later improve enough for Israel to choose to acquire it, but that too was ultimately a race against time.
In other words, for us who needed it now, the A330 MRTT was the more stable option.
“As a matter of fact, the Air Force did submit a requirement request not long ago. Understood. I will hold a meeting with the key military commanders soon.”
If the military had already submitted a request, its acquisition was as good as a done deal.
With the KFX nearing mass production, the need for it would be emphasized even more.
The thought that our Air Force would soon take another step toward modernization filled me with a sense of pride, even though I had nothing to gain from it personally.
“By the way, I believe I have one more piece of good news to share.”