Chapter 136
Chapter 136
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 136
Chapter Title: A Cascade of Success
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Just as I was smirking inwardly, the President spoke again.
The moment I looked up, he continued with a meaningful smile.
“I'm talking about the KFX's production volume. The original plan was for about 140 units, correct?”
“That's right for Batch 1. For Batch 2, which will be upgraded to the 5th generation, 60 units are planned.”
“Indeed. However, after a meeting with the Ministry of National Defense yesterday, a proposal was made to expand the total procurement for Batch 1 to 220 units.”
“Why the sudden…”
“That would be your fault, Chairman Jin.”
I tilted my head, caught off guard by the unexpected blame.
“Weren't you the one who brought up our Air Force's long-ignored power deficit? That became the spark that initiated a complete reassessment of our military strength. So, it's your fault.”
The President spoke with a faint smile before casually handing me a file.
The document I reviewed listed the future air power our nation would need.
What stood out the most was the plan to replace the F-5s with T-50-based light attack aircraft. Following that was a detailed list of countermeasures for the retirement of some F-4 airframes and the resulting power vacuum.
“So the plan is to produce additional KFX units to take over the F-4's role.”
“That's correct. The F-4Es that are still viable will be used as shuttles, but the rest will be retired. Their roles will be filled by the newly introduced KFX Batch 1 aircraft and the KF-16s.”
For the KFX, it was more than possible.
With a range and weapons payload comparable to the F-15, the KFX could easily handle the ground attack missions the F-4 was responsible for.
The real issue was the KF-16. While it was inherently capable of air-to-ground missions, its mission computer's capacity made it unable to operate JDAMs.
And yet, they planned to actively use it for air-to-ground missions.
“Are you saying you also plan to proceed with the KF-16 mission computer replacement project?”
“That's correct. While it won't be up to the level of the U.S. military's upgraded version just yet, we intend to make it capable of operating at least JDAMs and the KGGBs that Jaewoo will soon develop.”
Even so, it was bound to be expensive.
It seemed they were determined to push this through.
As I swallowed dryly, the President spoke again.
“By the way, I understand the KFX was designed as a multirole fighter with an increased number of hardpoints. In that case, can't it perform air-to-ground missions on par with the F-4 while also conducting air-to-air combat?”
The question seemed intended to reconfirm the facts.
I nodded firmly and elaborated.
“That's right. There is no multirole fighter as perfect as the KFX. Thanks to that, it can penetrate enemy lines and conduct bombing runs independently, without an escort. On a side note, if it were to have an escort for a dedicated air-to-ground mission, and that escort was another KFX, it would be the ultimate combination. If they initiated a BVR engagement with 22 air-to-air missiles, no enemy aircraft would be left standing.”
The President's breathing quickened at my words.
It was as if he was imagining the battle scene.
He then said something else that was just as surprising.
“Oh! I forgot to mention, while the KF-16 will only undergo partial modifications for now, please be aware that there's a high probability the next administration will pursue a full-scale upgrade to the level the U.S. military is currently undertaking.”
“What do you mean… a full-scale overhaul for the KF-16s, which are still relatively new?”
“I’m not talking about the later Block 52 models, but the Block 32s and early Block 52s. While it’s true the early 52s aren’t that old, their radar, armaments, and operational capabilities still need to be enhanced.”
That would probably apply to about 120 aircraft.
No, if you included the Block 32s, it would be even more.
Instantly, the budget came to mind.
Even if it was planned for the next administration, would there be enough funding for something of that scale?
The increased KFX order alone would cost trillions of won annually. Did we really have the budget for any further air power enhancements?
“But the budget allocated to the Air Force…”
“The Air Force budget shouldn't be a major issue. We plan to use the remaining funds from the Mid-Term Defense Plan for the increased KFX order. Any shortfall, along with the cost of the KF-16 overhaul, will be covered by increasing the defense budget's share of the national budget by 6% each year during my term. That way, the next administration will be able to handle it. In fact, with a 6% annual increase, wouldn't we be able to plan for naval reinforcement, let alone the KF-16 upgrades?”
He wasn't wrong.
Our country's current total budget was roughly at the level of 2010, before my regression.
Consequently, the defense budget had also risen proportionally, exceeding 30 trillion won.
A 6% annual increase on 30 trillion won meant a boost of nearly a trillion won each year. That made it entirely feasible.
Moreover, when you added the natural increase that came with the yearly budget growth, the total increase would be at least 3 trillion won per year.
Then it was certainly possible.
‘Frankly, it's not like an upgrade project requires a massive lump sum payment upfront. For instance, if 3 trillion won were allocated for the project, and it was carried out over five years, it would only require 600 billion won annually. In that case, as the President said, the KF-16 upgrade is well within reach.’
*Smirk.*
The President watched the ceaseless changes in my expression and smiled.
Snapping back to reality, I voiced another question that crossed my mind.
“Putting that aside, if the KFX Batch 1 quantity increases, is there a possibility that the procurement quantity for Batch 2 will also be increased from the planned 60 units?”
“The KF-16 upgrade is something I’m setting in motion, so they’ll have to do it whether they like it or not, but expanding the KFX Batch 2 procurement is entirely up to the next administration. In other words, I can't give you a definite answer. But don't worry too much. Since it’s a platform for securing absolute air superiority, the Air Force will fight for it tooth and nail, even if the administration changes.”
Even so, I couldn't be certain.
History showed that administrations change, and no one could guarantee what would happen afterward.
Just then, the President spoke again with a meaningful expression.
“You don't need to worry. If the KFX had been a failure, that would be one thing. But with such a perfect aircraft having been created, who wouldn't be greedy for Batch 2?”
“That depends on which way the next President leans. And the budget is also an issue.”
The President smiled at my words.
Well, there was no point in worrying about problems that hadn't happened yet.
I pushed the thought aside and decided to reveal a fact that I felt I must now disclose, at least to the President.
“There is something I need to tell you.”
I then told him about the facts I had kept from him until now for the sake of strict confidentiality.
About another hidden feature of the KFX, the medium-range air-to-air missile we developed, and the surface-to-air missile currently in development.
The President, who had been listening with a nonchalant expression at first, suddenly widened his eyes and stared at me.
“Is… is that true?”
“Yes. The reason I am only reporting this now was for security purposes, so I hope you understand.”
“I understand that, but… my goodness!”
The President repeatedly wore an expression of disbelief.
Then again, if I had heard such news, I would have made the same face.
On the day of the weapons test, the key Air Force commanders who would learn the truth would likely have similar reactions.
*Ting!*
At that moment, an alert sounded from my phone, which I had forgotten to set to vibrate.
The President glanced at me and gestured for me to take it.
After excusing myself, I checked the message. It was from Jin Hyun-cheol.
“Huh?”
“What is it? Is it bad news?”
“No, quite the opposite.”
I replied, trying to control the grin spreading across my face.
How could I convey this news in a way the President could truly grasp?
After a moment of thought, what came to mind was the 3,000-ton class submarine currently under construction.
“Our military's 3,000-ton class submarine might soon be comparable in performance to a nuclear-powered one, Mr. President.”
“What are you talking about all of a sudden?”
“It seems Jaewoo Energy has just succeeded in developing a solid-state battery. One that can maintain its ionic conductivity at room temperature. Now that it’s complete, if we apply it as planned, our submarine's operational capabilities will increase by at least ninefold. So, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to compare it to a nuclear submarine.”
“…”
*****
[Jaewoo Energy has successfully developed a battery with outstanding stability.]
[Known as a solid-state battery, its vastly improved safety and efficiency are expected to open up limitless applications. Some cautiously predict that Jaewoo Energy may come to dominate the battery market in the future.]
The news of Jaewoo Energy's successful development of a solid-state battery spread across the globe.
Since it was a product that had stabilized ionic conductivity at room temperature, it could replace almost everything requiring a lithium battery, from cell phones to laptops.
The groundbreaking improvements in safety, lifespan, and a dramatic reduction in charging time were enough to turn the industrial world upside down, so the reaction was bound to be explosive.
-Japan is so screwed.
↳ Of course, the battery market is about to be flipped on its head.
-Is the solid-state battery really that big of a deal?
↳ It's not just a big deal; it's a revolution for the industry. Honestly, it'd be weird if they *didn't* win a Nobel Prize for this.
↳ The Nobel Prize is up to the guys who give it out.
-I don't know what the production cost will be, but I think we're about to see a battery monopoly for the next few decades.
↳ No way, you know what Japan is like. There'll probably be an article soon saying Japan succeeded in developing it too.
↳ U kidding me? Japan is still just messing around with sulfur compounds. How are they going to make a solid-state battery in a few years?
Reading the recent comments was quite enjoyable.
It was also nostalgic to see internet slang I had forgotten.
As I kept grinning like a madman, Secretary Kim blinked and stared at me.
“Do you know you've been acting a bit strange lately?”
“What do you mean?”
“That habit of yours, smiling at the monitor for no reason.”
I cleared my throat and put on a serious face.
But it was too late to take it back.
Secretary Kim, who was trying hard to maintain her composure, suddenly pushed a document in front of me.
“What's this?”
“It's a proposal from Vice Chairman Jin Hyun-cheol. He says that considering the future demand for solid-state batteries, a massive factory expansion will be necessary. This proposes a few candidate sites.”
I immediately reviewed the proposed locations in the document.
For security reasons, most of the sites were located within the country.
Jin Hyun-cheol was certainly quick on the uptake in matters like this.
“Tell Vice Chairman Jin Hyun-cheol that I'm entrusting this matter to him.”
Taking back the document, Secretary Kim immediately nodded.
Meanwhile, the reactions from foreign media on the search engines were not just hot, but practically molten.
It was no surprise, given that a product tantamount to an innovation across all industries had just been born.
“Vice Chairman Jin Hyun-cheol's phone must be ringing off the hook right now.”
Secretary Kim, who was watching the articles with me, remarked casually.
It was an entirely predictable outcome.
Just in case, I tried calling him myself, but as she predicted, it wasn't easy to get through.
“Shall I contact the Vice Chairman's office?”
“No, I was just checking. It seems quite a few companies are trying to target the final decision-maker rather than the working-level staff. At this rate, I might also…”
As if on cue, my phone rang.
The number on the screen belonged to Chairman Lee Young-hoon of Samjung.
Letting out a dry laugh, I pressed the answer button.
“I was just wondering when you'd call.”
The purpose of Chairman Lee’s call was, of course, to secure priority in the supply chain for the solid-state batteries.
Even though they had been preparing in advance, it would take at least another year before full-scale production could begin.
But from the perspective of an electronics executive, it was natural to expect explosive demand, and Chairman Lee was now using his connection with me to get a step ahead of the competition.
“In any case, let's arrange a meeting soon.”
*Ring, ring.*
“It's begun.”
The moment I ended the call, the phone rang again.
I took over ten such calls.
Thinking I might not get my own work done at this rate, I finally decided to turn off my phone. When I looked at the clock, it was already 2 PM.
“I'm going to be late. I should head to the supersonic anti-ship missile test site now.”
I quickly grabbed my suit and stood up from my seat.
Secretary Kim, who promptly followed, seemed to have decided to tag along for some reason.
“What is it? Are you planning to come to the site?”
“Yes. I may be the Chief of Staff, but I'm also your executive assistant. I've been feeling that I've been too neglectful of you in my role as your assistant lately.”
I gazed at her, wondering about her intentions.
She fumbled in her pockets for a moment before pulling out a small gas gun and waving it.
“Don't worry. I will protect you in the worst-case scenario.”
“…”
I was so dumbfounded that I couldn't even manage a hollow laugh.
How could I stop her when she was so determined to be faithful to her duties as an executive assistant?
To be honest, her absence had caused more than a few inconveniences.
Finally, I nodded and was about to leave the room when I came face to face with Natasha, who was waiting outside.
“Where you go?”
Natasha's Korean had improved remarkably recently.
The only downside was that her speech was still a bit stilted.
Still, her effort was commendable, so I always made sure to answer her, even if it was frustrating at times.
“Today, I'm going somewhere you can't come along, Natasha.”
She managed to understand and quickly nodded.
As I was about to pass by, she suddenly stopped Secretary Kim, who was following me, and spoke to her.
“Where you go?”
“…”
Secretary Kim froze with a blank expression.
I felt the same way.
Realizing her mistake a moment too late, Natasha frantically waved her hands and corrected herself.
“S-sorry. Where Secretary Kim go?”
“Secretary Kim will be assisting me today.”
I shook my head and got on the elevator.
Was it my imagination, or did Natasha's face seem to scrunch up slightly for a moment?
*Thud-thud-thud-thud!*
The helicopter carrying us headed straight for a military firing range near the South Sea.
The field test for the supersonic air-to-ship missile was scheduled to take place there, and the gravity of the test was already making me tense.
“Are you not feeling well?”
Secretary Kim asked, noticing my stiff expression.
The moment she said it, the motion sickness began.
It only grew worse as time went on.
“Are you really okay?”
It soon became an effort even to answer.
Was this body cursed or something? Why did I get like this every time I rode in a helicopter?
I was about to just nod in response when the aircraft suddenly jolted and shook violently.
“Apologies, the wind is a bit strong, causing some temporary instability.”
The pilot's voice came through the headset.
I wanted to say it was fine, but I felt like I would throw up the moment I opened my mouth.
I just nodded again and looked out the window…
“A b-bag!”
*Blech!*