Chapter 155
Chapter 155
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 155
Chapter Title: An Unexpected Partnership
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Michael still looked back and forth between the two photos, his eyes filled with confusion.
If it had been anyone else, he probably would have mentioned a technology leak several times by now.
But in the end, he refrained from saying the words and swiftly met my gaze.
[I know it’s unlikely, but…]
[No, nothing like that happened. Does it make any sense for us to steal technology from a US defense contractor unless we were insane?]
I spoke bluntly, saving him the trouble of carefully choosing his words.
Sighing repeatedly, he shook his head and spoke.
[True, it’s not like you’re China. Jaewoo would never do something like that. So this is purely a coincidence… I find that incredibly hard to believe.]
[Be that as it may, it’s the reality of the situation. If you’re still uncomfortable, shall I offer you some proof?]
[What kind of proof?]
[Proof that we didn’t steal America’s development plans.]
[…]
He didn’t say anything, but his expression showed he wanted to hear it.
With a faint, dry laugh, I immediately opened a few files I had prepared for an announcement to the military and the press and pushed them toward him.
[I’ve selected only the files that aren’t yet classified, so you can look at them.]
At my words, Michael immediately shifted his gaze.
After some time, his expression changing with every passing moment, he glanced back at me.
[You applied an automated ply forming process to the rotor?]
[That’s right. As far as I know, it’s a technology that neither Boeing, Sikorsky, nor any other American company has successfully developed yet. Besides that, we’ve already secured a great deal of technology through our attack helicopter development, which we plan to apply to the transport helicopter. For instance, increasing the composite material ratio in engine parts to 30%, designing the gearbox with clearance adjustments between components for 20% greater wear resistance, and adopting a hydraulic Advancing Blade Concept rotor.]
[…]
[Let me ask you one thing. If we had stolen American technology, would it be possible for us to have developed all of this, things that even the US hasn’t perfected yet?]
Michael finally seemed to have cast off his doubts completely.
After all, what was the point of suspecting a technology leak when I was presenting evidence of technology more advanced than their own?
After staring blankly for a while, Michael finally scratched his head and offered an apology.
[I apologize for creating an unpleasant situation, however brief. Even after all my experiences, I still underestimated Jaewoo’s technological prowess.]
[No, I understand. Honestly, if I saw a concept that so perfectly mirrored my own ideas, I would have raised suspicions about a leak as well.]
I felt a twinge of guilt as I said it.
Because, when it came down to it, I had in fact copied the concept itself.
Even so, the other technical aspects were things we had developed ourselves, so I had nothing to be ashamed of.
[In any case, I plan to submit this proposal to the military. So it’s not something you can be so confident about just yet.]
[Hmm…]
After that, Michael fell silent, a thoughtful expression on his face.
What was it? His face suddenly brightened, and he abruptly grabbed my hand.
[I’ve just had a brilliant idea.]
[…]
[How about we pursue a joint development? In other words, a partnership between Boeing, Sikorsky, and Jaewoo.]
The conversation had taken an unexpected turn.
Feeling bewildered, I cautiously asked him.
[Is there any reason for me to do that?]
[Of course, there is. If joint development becomes possible, not only the South Korean government but Jaewoo as well stands to gain enormous profits.]
[…]
I watched him quietly.
The word “profits.”
The moment he said it, I could already guess what he was going to say next.
[Our government’s projected procurement is at least 3,000 units. If we develop it jointly, the acquisition cost for the South Korean government will drop significantly. Wouldn’t that allow you to secure more units than your government initially anticipated?]
[…]
[And with a quantity of 3,000 units, the profits would be astronomical, even if split among three companies.]
[I suppose so. But why are you proposing joint development? It’s only a matter of time before the US can develop this aircraft on its own.]
That was what I couldn’t understand.
If there was no chance of them succeeding, it would be a different story. But wasn't this something the US would eventually be able to acquire anyway?
Just then, Michael’s eyes lit up as he replied.
[That time is the problem. Jaewoo can significantly shorten the development period because you’re starting with all the basic technologies already secured, but it would take us well over ten years. The problem is, if the development takes that long, budget issues will become a hindrance again, and there’s no guarantee it won’t go the way of the Comanche.]
The Comanche was an aircraft that had briefly been known to the world as part of the US Army’s new attack helicopter development program.
A project that began in the late 1980s, took nearly twenty years to develop, and was ultimately canceled after pouring in over seven billion dollars.
But what did that have to do with this?
[To be honest, I don’t want to see the next-generation transport helicopter project end up like the Comanche.]
I finally understood his intention.
In short, he didn’t want to repeat the same mistake.
And to avoid that, he wanted to join hands with me, as I had a higher chance of success.
Then again, America’s blunders weren’t exactly few and far between.
For Michael, who had watched it all unfold, it must have been more than enough to feel frustrated.
‘But that’s a thought you can only have if you don’t know the future.’
The Comanche’s misfortune was a result not just of its budget, but also of political factors and questions about its utility with the advent of UAVs. In the case of the Defiant, however, development had actually reached the near-completion stage.
“Hmm…”
At that moment, a thought suddenly crossed my mind.
It was a tempting proposal, but if that was the case, was there really any reason for me to pursue joint development with them?
To put it bluntly, if we succeeded in developing it first, wouldn't that open up the possibility of the US importing it?
In that case, was there any reason for me to split the profits by developing it jointly with them…?
[Get that thought out of your head.]
Just then, Michael spoke as if he had read my mind.
I glanced at him, flustered, and he twisted his lips into a smirk as he continued.
[You seem to have misunderstood. I’m the one worried about the budget and the project’s cancellation, not our government.]
[What do you mean by that…?]
[Exactly what I said. Right now, our government isn’t interested in whether this project succeeds or not. They’re only interested in using this project to save one defense contractor.]
His words only raised more questions.
As I tilted my head, he let out a sigh and explained.
[I’m talking about Boeing. In fact, it’s safe to say this project is purely a measure to save Boeing.]
[A project to save Boeing?]
[As you know, Boeing is struggling with deficits. They’re managing to hold on thanks to their performance in the commercial aviation market, but the company is so large that they urgently need a sustainable business.]
[So the government stepped in?]
[Because if Boeing collapses, the ripple effect would be enormous. In that situation, no matter how perfect an aircraft Jaewoo produces, do you think they would import it?]
[…]
If that was the case, then exports were truly off the table.
I, more than anyone, knew just how desperate America’s efforts could be to save its own companies.
‘Then is it wise to accept his offer?’
It was only a matter of time. After all, it was a historical fact that the US would eventually produce a concrete result in the form of the Defiant.
In that case, wouldn’t it be better for me to jump in first and take a piece of the profits?
[Let me discuss it with my government first.]
I finally gave a positive response.
For a moment, Michael’s eyes sparkled as he grabbed my hand. I seized the opportunity to speak.
[By the way, I have one condition.]
[…]
At my words, Michael frowned again.
He probably recalled from experience that whatever came out of my mouth would be a burden for him.
I continued with a faint smile.
[I’m talking about the UH-60s our military currently operates. How about giving us the authority to upgrade them?]
[…]
[No matter how many new utility helicopters our military introduces, it will be difficult to replace the entire fleet at once due to budget constraints. So, the military will undoubtedly pursue an upgrade program, and I want the rights to that program.]
[But the license production rights for the UH-60 are already with Daein Aerospace…]
[Of course. However, Daein Aerospace’s defense division has been suffering from chronic deficits. That’s why we plan to attempt an acquisition soon.]
[…You’re acquiring Daein Aerospace?]
[Our country’s aerospace industry needs to become more competitive. Oh! And it would be best if you could handle the upgrade rights after the acquisition is complete. If it’s announced beforehand, they might resist during the acquisition process.]
[…]
********
“Joint development with the United States?”
A few days later, I announced Michael’s proposal at a meeting of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
For a while, everyone was busy weighing the pros and cons.
A few of them raised some pointed questions.
“Are there no concerns about technology leaks?”
“The technologies we have are things the US will succeed in developing soon enough anyway. In fact, when it comes to the power transmission technology for the engine and tail rotor, we’re the ones who will need their help.”
“What about the production cost? Will it definitely be reduced?”
Kim Tae-ik, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, prioritized the budget issue.
It made sense. For the military, which had to produce results with a limited budget, that was the biggest hurdle.
I nodded at him confidently.
“According to our analysis, if Jaewoo proceeds alone, the unit production cost will be approximately 40 billion won. But if a mass production system becomes possible through joint development, we should be able to cut that by more than half.”
“If that’s the case…”
Hearing that the cost savings were certain, the military leadership reacted positively.
However, some individuals, mindful of American involvement in the export market, couldn’t shake their negative outlook.
Well, I was grateful that they were ultimately thinking of Jaewoo’s interests, but since I was confident it wouldn’t be a major issue, I began to persuade them again.
“Pioneering the export market will actually be easier than if Jaewoo were to go it alone. At the very least, we can leverage our association with the United States. Besides, this is not subcontracting but a proper joint development, so our voice will be strong as well.”
“Hmm…”
“Crucially, if the collaborative development is confirmed, the profits will be beyond imagination. More than that, it could even lead to a significant expansion of KAI’s production lines.”
“Production lines, you say?”
“That’s right. In that case, I am certain it will create a job creation effect involving tens of thousands of people annually.”
At that moment, the eyes of the military leaders who had remained unconvinced began to shine.
Job creation.
That was the word that got them.
If a project that was already controversial could contribute to society, it would relieve a burden for the military as well.
In the end, they began to nod one after another, and eventually, all opposition vanished.
“I’ll report this to the President. Oh, and Chairman Jin, could I have a word with you for a moment?”
As the meeting concluded, Minister Lee Dong-wook stopped me as I was turning to leave.
His face had been clouded throughout the meeting.
I was worried he might express concerns about the joint development, but fortunately, what he said was unrelated to the current project.
“It seems I may have to step down soon. I thought I should let you know in advance, Chairman Jin.”
“What are you talking about… Why so suddenly?”
I couldn’t help but be puzzled.
The presidential election was just a little over a year away.
Besides, with the administration still in power, what reason was there for a Minister of National Defense with no notable failures to resign?
“I volunteered.”
[…]
“Actually, my recent health check-up showed some abnormalities. The results of the detailed examination…”
“Is it cancer?”
That was the only thing that came to mind.
With other illnesses, it would likely be possible to keep one’s position while undergoing treatment.
It seemed my guess wasn’t wrong, as he nodded.
“Yes… they said it’s pancreatic cancer. And it’s already in stage three.”
A wave of despair washed over me.
From what I knew, pancreatic cancer was a disease with a particularly low survival rate compared to other cancers.
And at stage three, it was questionable whether anything could even be done.
As I hesitated, at a loss for words, Minister Lee Dong-wook patted my back with an awkward smile.
“What can you do? It is what it is. Anyway, the President is thinking of appointing Chairman Kim Tae-ik as the next minister. So, please continue to support him by his side.”
With those words, Minister Lee Dong-wook turned away again.
A sense of desolation emanated from his retreating figure.
For some reason, my mind was filled with the thought of how empty the world felt today.