Chapter 25
Chapter 25
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 25
Chapter Title: The Price of a Deal
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Screech!
A few hours later, key figures from our military, having been contacted, rushed to the event site.
Were they surprised by the sudden decision?
The generals stepping out of their cars all wore stunned expressions, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Oh Joong-geun, who had just arrived, grabbed General Lee Dong-wook, repeatedly asking for confirmation.
“Did they really decide to adopt it?”
“They did. It was so sudden, I... well...”
“What were they thinking? What if problems arise after deciding to adopt it without our own operational verification?”
“They must have figured it wouldn't be an issue since our destroyers can operate it. But how did the export approval come through so quickly?”
“The request to reconsider the feasibility of export approval was made a month ago. They were already keeping an eye on the fact that Jaewoo was developing smart munitions. Besides, we're dealing with the United States, of all countries.”
General Lee Dong-wook nodded in understanding.
He then glanced at me and, with a look of realization, introduced me to the Chairman.
“Oh, this is Jin Hyun-seung, Department Head at Jaewoo Thales.”
At his words, Chairman Oh Joong-geun's gaze immediately fell upon me.
He looked like he had a lot to say.
But perhaps because the situation wasn't right, he simply expressed his interest by gripping my hand with what felt like brute force.
“Well, this is an unexpected place for a first meeting. I'm Oh Joong-geun, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.”
“It's an honor to meet you. I'm Jin Hyun-seung, Chief of Policy at Jaewoo Thales.”
“We can talk in detail later, but I wonder if you've heard the news through Deputy Commander Lee Dong-wook.”
He was probably talking about securing the GPS.
When I gave a slight nod, Chairman Oh Joong-geun glanced at the approaching Admiral Jeffrey and whispered.
“Exports are one thing, but that issue absolutely must be resolved...”
[We shouldn't stand around here. Let's go to the camp.]
His words were cut off by Admiral Jeffrey, who interjected.
Why insist on moving?
As I tilted my head in confusion, Michael murmured.
[I suppose it's because we don't have to worry about eavesdropping at our camp...]
Only then did I understand why they always insisted on the camp as a negotiation venue.
Tsk, as if they don't gather intelligence on their own allies.
The biggest eavesdropper in the world is the United States, of all countries.
[To be frank, I've come with full authority delegated by the Secretary of the Navy. Therefore, my words represent the official position of the U.S. Navy, and I must inform you that there are matters to coordinate before we negotiate.]
Upon arriving at the camp, Admiral Jeffrey got straight to the point.
In a way, he seemed to have a personality quite similar to Vice Admiral Michael's.
As a negotiation partner, he was the type I preferred most.
[Go on.]
Before answering, he scribbled something on a notepad.
The handwriting was so bad the words were hard to make out.
But it didn't take long to realize they were the names of major U.S. defense contractors.
[What is the meaning of this?]
[If the U.S. Navy decides to adopt the smart shells, all the companies listed here will raise hell. Perhaps enough to cause trouble for the President.]
[...]
He wasn't wrong.
This was an era when lobbying by defense contractors was at its peak in American politics.
Having already pushed through the import of armor-piercing rounds against opposition, it would be difficult to suppress their backlash and procure more weapons from abroad.
[So?]
[Therefore, we want a licensed production arrangement. It's the minimum safeguard to shut the mouths of the U.S. defense industry.]
I paused to think.
A licensed production deal wouldn't mean they'd raise the unit price. A portion of the profits would inevitably be lost.
But the U.S. Navy's procurement volume would be so massive that I couldn't just give up on it.
[In return, the Army will also actively consider adopting a ground-launched version of the shell.]
While I was in the middle of my calculations, Michael threw out a piece of bait.
If we could handle the Army's volume as well, it would be possible to cover the losses.
The problem was, I had already factored that in. I needed to think of something else.
“Department Head Jin. You must not forget that we have to secure the military-grade GPS this time, no matter what.”
Chairman Oh Joong-geun, who was beside me, urged me on.
He looked anxious, worried that things might go wrong.
After organizing the thoughts swirling in my head, I answered.
[In exchange, sell the U.S. military's GPS to our armed forces.]
A smirk.
Jeffrey and Michael smiled at the same time.
Had they expected this demand?
Then again, it wasn't surprising, since the U.S. military knew our weaknesses best.
[Very well. We'll request congressional approval as quickly as possible.]
[There's no chance the approval will be denied, right?]
[Key members of the defense committees in both the Senate and the House are all tied to defense contractors. In other words, they have no reason to kick away profits that will come their way.]
Clench!
As he spoke, Chairman Oh Joong-geun's fist tightened.
It was a natural reaction, as one of our military's long-cherished goals had just been achieved.
But what about compensation for my losses?
Sorry, but I was now going to demand compensation for my lost piece of the pie.
[I'm sorry, but there is one more condition.]
In that instant, everyone's expression hardened.
Jeffrey, Michael, and even Chairman Oh Joong-geun.
It was no wonder their expressions soured; I was essentially throwing a wrench in the works just after we'd reached a mutually satisfactory agreement.
[Are you saying the GPS isn't enough for you?]
[Frankly, the GPS alone results in a significant loss for me. So, I'd like you to lift the weapons integration restrictions on the F-16 series.]
[...Lift the what?]
[To be precise, I'm asking for weapons integration for all future weapons developed by Jaewoo Thales on the F-16 series.]
It was probably a difficult condition for them to accept.
America has a tradition of not easily allowing weapons developed elsewhere to be mounted on the fighter jets they export.
They might cite excuses like source code leaks and so on, but ultimately, it's clearly a ploy to sell their own weapons.
That's why having our own platform is so important, and it was the biggest reason our country would later attempt to develop its own fighter jet.
[Why the sudden pivot to that topic...?]
[Why? Is it impossible?]
[Possible or not, what weapons does Jaewoo Thales even produce that are worth integrating into a fighter jet?]
[None yet, but we plan to develop them soon. Our top priority is developing a Korean version of the JDAM.]
[...]
Admiral Jeffrey wore a look of disbelief, as if wondering if that was even possible.
Unlike him, Michael wore a completely serious expression as he whispered to Jeffrey.
[It's not entirely out of the question, Admiral. Frankly, would a company with the technology to cram all those precision-guidance functions into such a small shell be incapable of developing a mere guidance kit?]
[...]
For a moment, Admiral Jeffrey's face went pale.
Sensing the strange turn in the atmosphere, Chairman Oh Joong-geun, beside me, whispered discreetly.
“Look here, Department Head Jin. Of course, if that comes to pass, our military would welcome it, but for now, we should focus on securing the GPS...”
“No, there's no guarantee we'll get another chance like this later. And I have a plan, so don't worry too much.”
I was confident about that.
Because I was about to offer a counter-proposal they couldn't possibly refuse.
Perhaps because of my resolute gaze, the Chairman couldn't bring himself to say more and simply pressed his lips together.
[Even so, that's a bit...]
Admiral Jeffrey showed his disapproval.
As if worried the negotiations would fall apart, Michael quickly whispered to Jeffrey.
[Admiral, instead of dismissing it, how about we inform the President and request congressional sanction? After all, Mr. Jin is only targeting the F-16 for integration right now.]
Hey.
Whispering from just over there, I can hear everything.
[But don't you know that for weapons integration, not just Jaewoo but we too would have to disclose at least part of the source code? And if we allow that, what happens if countries that own F-16s start preferring weapons developed by Jaewoo? How would you handle the fallout then?]
[But it's not without precedent. And there's no guarantee Jaewoo will actually succeed in developing an air-to-air missile.]
Michael said, glancing at me cautiously.
He must have been worried he'd hurt my pride.
When I smiled, he scratched his head with an awkward expression.
[My friend. Did you forget what you just said?]
Just then, Jeffrey retorted.
[Sir?]
[A company with the technological prowess to develop a shell with such precision guidance wouldn't be able to develop an air-to-air missile?]
[...]
[In any case, that's outside my authority.]
As expected, Admiral Jeffrey was no pushover.
But I couldn't back down either, because only with weapons integration would it be possible to sell the weapons I'd develop in the future to other countries that operate the F-16.
In other words, I was at a crossroads where a market of a scale incomparable to the smart shells could either open up or not. At this point, I had to present a counter-offer that would tempt them.
[Instead, let's change the terms of the contract.]
[...]
[We'll permit licensed production. And if you cover the costs, we'll even provide a full technology transfer in about two years. On the condition, however, that the U.S. cannot produce and export it to other countries.]
Michael's jaw dropped at the mention of a technology transfer.
But perhaps the no-export condition bothered him, as Jeffrey's expression remained unchanged.
[What specifically would you be transferring?]
As expected, Jeffrey spoke up again.
[For starters, I can mention the material technology to overcome muzzle pressure and the new propellant technology capable of achieving a muzzle velocity three times the speed of sound. In short, technologies the U.S. military needs right now.]
[Hmm...]
Despite the rather groundbreaking offer, Jeffrey still didn't lower his guard.
That's how difficult the weapons integration issue was to handle.
In that case, I had no choice but to highlight the greatest benefit they could gain—one they weren't yet aware of.
[It wouldn't be a loss for the United States, would it? Setting other things aside, since all demand within the U.S. military would be met by American defense contractors, you can quell their complaints. Moreover, by utilizing the technologies we provide, the U.S. Navy's dream could also be realized.]
[The U.S. Navy's dream? What are you referring to, specifically?]
[For example, the realization of the HVP would become possible.]
HVP (hyper-velocity projectile) refers to an ultra-high-speed projectile capable of intercepting incoming cruise missiles.
In other words, a system that uses cheap artillery shells for anti-ship and anti-air defense.
In fact, it was something the U.S. had conceived at the same time as their conceptual research on smart shells, but I recall it wasn't realized until around 2018.
After that, our own military also succeeded in putting it into practical use.
[How do you know about HVP...?]
As expected, Jeffrey's eyes widened.
It was only natural, given that a field the U.S. Navy had only just begun conceptual research on was unexpectedly mentioned by me.
I felt like I had finally created a definite crack in the iron wall he'd put up.
[Once you've considered using shells to counter missiles, wouldn't you also think of using them for anti-air defense?]
[Well... but can the smart shell really fulfill the role of an HVP?]
[In fact, there's no better projectile for an HVP than the smart shell. The issue lies in improving detection means and the electronic guidance system. Since the U.S. already possesses phased-array radar, you don't need to worry about detection. If an electronic guidance system is developed, applying it to the system shouldn't be a problem.]
Admiral Jeffrey swallowed hard.
At the same time, Chairman Oh Joong-geun, who had been listening to the conversation all along, chimed in.
“Can the smart shell really be used for anti-air defense?”
“For our military, it would be difficult for now. But for the U.S., it's entirely possible if they just develop the electronic guidance system.”
“Hah...”
Chairman Oh Joong-geun wore a complex and subtle expression.
What was he thinking? The man who had been harping on about the GPS suddenly fell silent and began to listen intently.
[Then, is it possible for Jaewoo Thales to develop that guidance system?]
Admiral Jeffrey, who had seemed lost in deep thought for a while, asked again.
He'd finally taken the bait.
But if I just said yes now, I'd end up giving away yet another technology for nothing.
This was the point to pull back slightly.
[It's under development.]
[If you succeed in developing it, would a technology transfer of that guidance system also be possible for us?]
[That would be difficult. As you well know, Admiral, it's not a technology to be traded for something like mere fighter jet weapons integration. However, providing the technology for the shell body is possible. And if you wish, I can promise to build the guidance system for you at a reasonable price.]
Admiral Jeffrey let out a sigh of disappointment.
Nevertheless, his expression wasn't grim, likely because he was considering that even without a technology transfer, simply establishing the HVP system would allow the U.S. Navy to save tens of billions of dollars.
Abruptly!
He suddenly shot up from his seat.
After whispering something to the Commander of U.S. Forces Korea, he suddenly picked up the black telephone on the desk.
[This is Chief of Naval Operations, Jeffrey Morgan. Put me on the hotline to the President.]