Chapter 32
Chapter 32
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 32
Chapter Title: A Strategic Pivot
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“Go on.”
“If I start developing ballistic missiles, the government will save the money it would have spent acquiring Iskander technology from Russia, won't it?”
“That’s true.”
“So, what if we redirected those funds to a different item?”
The moment I finished speaking, a variety of expressions appeared on the faces around the room.
They ranged from looks of suspicion, questioning my intentions, to expressions suggesting my idea was quite plausible.
Fortunately, the Minister of Defense didn't seem too displeased.
“Is there something else you have your eye on?”
“There are many things I desire. But if I had to choose one, the Ka-50 made by Kamov would be suitable."
The Ka-50 is a heavy attack helicopter Russia developed to counter the Apache.
The key point here is that its maneuverability surpasses that of the Apache.
This is entirely due to the immense power of its engine and its unique design philosophy, featuring coaxial rotors.
In fact, the Ka-32, which also uses coaxial rotors, was a model that South Korea had modified and used as a firefighting helicopter before my regression. It had even earned praise from officials for successfully extinguishing mountain fires by withstanding powerful crosswinds.
“The Black Shark?”
“Yes, its official designation is Chernaya Akula.”
Of course, the Black Shark isn't superior in every aspect.
In fact, its ground operation capabilities are laughably incomparable to the Apache's.
Furthermore, the durability of its parts is different from those made in the West.
“Whatever its name is, what reason do we have to need it?”
Nevertheless, the reason I specifically want the Black Shark is its maneuverability.
Because of its coaxial rotors, it doesn't need a tail rotor. This gives it outstanding maneuverability, allowing it to remain stable even in severe weather.
Anyway, the Apache's ground combat capabilities are mostly a result of its radar performance and weapons systems—things I can already realize. And I already have solutions for the material composition of its parts.
If I could get my hands on that coaxial rotor technology and their powerful engine technology, I could create the ultimate attack helicopter.
“To secure an effective deterrent against the North's ground forces, of course. Honestly, Minister, you're well aware of how outdated the idea of countering tanks solely with other tanks is.”
This was an issue that needed to be addressed at some point.
Our military strength was excessively skewed toward the army compared to the air force and navy.
As a result, our military, possessing several thousand tanks and self-propelled guns, ranked among the world's top in terms of ground forces.
“Ahem, well, that is…”
Of course, I’m not saying that’s wrong.
In this era, the most tangible threat to us was, unequivocally, North Korea.
Our strategy was built to counter them, which is how things ended up this way.
However, this excessive imbalance in our military power ultimately delayed our response to the changing international landscape and caused the development of our other forces to lag far behind.
“In any case, Senior Managing Director Jin, are you suggesting our military should also acquire heavy attack helicopters?”
“That's right. If we had just a few dozen attack helicopters in the air, the North's tanks wouldn't even dream of pushing south. Isn't it a waste of an excessive budget to stick to a strategy of stopping them with our own tanks? I'm proposing we take this opportunity to change that mindset.”
“Hmm…”
The Minister of Defense glanced at the army lieutenant general beside him.
It was the first time I'd seen the man.
He had maintained a stern expression throughout, clearly displeased with my argument, and now he spoke with an indifferent tone.
“So you're proposing we adopt the Black Shark as our military's attack helicopter. What are we supposed to do with something that's not even compatible with our current combat systems?”
“Its combat systems aren't completely incompatible. But setting that aside, it seems you've misunderstood. I'm not suggesting we import the Black Shark as is. I'm proposing we acquire the core technologies and develop our own.”
“That's absurd! Do you really think Russia would agree to a technology transfer, not just an export?”
“It won't be easy. But it's possible if the counter-offer is solid enough.”
“And what counter-offer could we possibly present to them?”
The room began to stir as the debate between me and the general continued.
Sensing the atmosphere was becoming too heated, the Minister of Defense stepped in to calm things down.
“Alright, everyone, let's calm down. Senior Managing Director Jin's words are ultimately for the betterment of our military. And frankly, I'm just grateful that we're even having this discussion. If it weren't for the Brown Bear Project, would a debate like this even be conceivable?"
I had to admit he was right.
The Brown Bear Project had brought us significant benefits.
For instance, the technology for shielding against electromagnetic interference between radar components became the foundation for our future radar development, having a massive impact.
Though, thanks to me, that particular benefit might now be less significant.
Even setting that aside, it was true that the Brown Bear Project had given us a tremendous opportunity for technological advancement.
“Let's do this. For now, we'll revisit this proposal after we receive final approval from the President for the ballistic missile development project. That will conclude our meeting for today.”
The Minister of Defense once again brought the situation under control.
He was right; it was unreasonable to decide on such a crucial matter in just a day or two.
For my part, I was satisfied just to have shown them that another path was possible.
“Thank you for your hard work.”
After a brief exchange of farewells, I was escorted out of the building by NIS agents.
I was about to get into my car when an agent approached me again and asked me to wait. A moment later, the NIS Director reappeared, his face flushed with excitement.
“Senior Managing Director Jin! You haven't eaten yet, have you? The food in our cafeteria is quite good. Would you care to join me for a meal?”
“…”
******
“The cooks here are quite skilled.”
The Director's claim about the high quality of the NIS cafeteria was no exaggeration.
They say seasoning is the key to good food.
From the seasoned vegetables to the kimchi, soup, and various side dishes, everything seemed good enough to satisfy even the most discerning palate.
“I'm not one to make empty claims.”
The NIS Director replied with an affable smile and set down his utensils.
His tray was already empty.
After a quick sip of water to rinse his mouth, he began to stare intently at me as I continued to eat.
“Why are you looking at me like that?”
“Ah, my apologies. I was just thinking what remarkable nerve and ability you have for someone so young.”
“…”
“By the way, is your security detail just the one secretary?”
“Yes, it is.”
“That's a problem. You'll be overseeing a confidential military project from now on… If you don't mind, I'd like to permanently station our agents around you. What are your thoughts on that, Senior Managing Director?”
“…”
“Please don't misunderstand. This isn't for surveillance; it's a suggestion for your protection.”
I had actually been considering this point for a while.
That’s why I was already preparing to reinforce my security detail through Secretary Yang.
But the NIS handling my security?
Tsk, who did he take me for?
Although he denied it, it would be tantamount to surveillance.
Well, whether it was surveillance or protection, it didn't really matter to me.
“Let's do that.”
“Thank you for your understanding. Then I'll proceed, assuming you've given your permission. Oh, and about the attack helicopter technology acquisition you proposed to the Minister of Defense earlier.”
Clank!
I set down my utensils at his words.
Realizing his mistake, the NIS Director urged me to continue eating, but food was not the priority right now.
“Just say it.”
“Actually, after you left the room, the Minister of Defense and I reported the matter to our superiors. And we received a suggestion.”
“What kind of…”
“The suggestion was to have you, Mr. Jin, participate in the second Brown Bear Project as a sort of strategic advisor.”
“…”
This was a completely unexpected development.
I was just trying to secure as many business contracts as I could.
Suddenly, an advisor for a state-led project?
No, setting that aside, I couldn't even imagine what I would be able to do in that position.
“What exactly would you want me to do?”
“Well, for example, negotiating with the Russian government or military. More specifically, including the Black Shark technology acquisition you advocated for in the second Brown Bear Project… To be honest, Russia has wanted to sell us the Black Shark for some time.”
“But I was clear that I want the technology, not to import the finished product…”
“Yes, and that's the problem. To execute your plan, we need someone to negotiate with the Russian government.”
Hah.
What was this now?
Was he asking me to deal directly with the Russian government?
“Why are you entrusting this to me? The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is teeming with expert negotiators.”
“By that logic, wouldn't the NIS's involvement in the Brown Bear Project also be a contradiction? This project is so diplomatically sensitive that it's difficult to approach through official diplomatic channels.”
That part I could understand.
If the Ministry of Foreign Affairs got directly involved, it would become an official matter.
Moreover, with the United States watching, it would be even more difficult for us to openly engage in military exchanges with a country that was once practically their enemy.
So, what did that mean?
Was he asking me to act as a secret envoy?
“Do you trust me?”
“If you're asking about my confidence in your abilities, then yes.”
He answered without hesitation.
He couldn't possibly be unaware of my past—or rather, Hyun-seung's past.
His attitude, despite that knowledge, meant he was certainly no ordinary man.
“So, what's in it for me?”
I asked him point-blank.
It was only natural that if something is given, something should be received in return.
As if he had expected the question, a smile spread across his face.
“If you succeed in the negotiations, the development rights for South Korea's future attack helicopter project will be jointly held by Jaewoo Thales and the ADD.”
It was a tempting offer, but there was a catch hidden within.
Joint development, not sole.
Given the circumstances, this felt like it was about more than just security. I was starting to understand their intentions.
The preservation of the ADD.
To be precise, it was to enhance their technological level and, at the same time, ensure their continued reason for existence.
“I'll refuse unless it's a solo development project.”
But I had no reason to accommodate them.
Handing over one project to the private sector wouldn't erase the ADD's reason for being. Besides, the ADD would have plenty of work in the future, so there was no reason for it to get caught up in debates about its purpose.
“Hmm…”
The NIS Director looked troubled, clearly not having anticipated my refusal.
I understood how he felt, even without him saying it.
Having already monopolized the ballistic missile development rights, wanting to take the helicopter project as well could be seen as excessively greedy.
But what could I do?
Setting everything else aside, if the development was split between two entities, the final product would inevitably be delayed.
“Just a moment.”
The NIS Director excused himself and left the table.
He then started a phone call not far away, glancing back at me from time to time.
“Yes, for now, he is insisting on sole development rights for the attack helicopter project as well.”
His tone was incredibly polite.
For a moment, I wondered who could possibly command such a respectful attitude from someone of the NIS Director's stature.
“Don't tell me…”
Just as a figure flashed through my mind and my eyes widened in surprise, a phrase escaped the Director's lips that confirmed my suspicion.
“Yes, if the President makes that decision, the Minister of Defense will surely follow. No, you don't need to worry about backlash from other companies. These projects can't be disclosed externally anyway, so it's not a matter they can interfere with. Yes, then I will proceed with the understanding that you have approved.”
“…”
After finishing the short call, the NIS Director immediately looked at me.
He then took a business card from his inner jacket pocket and began to write something meticulously on the back.
“In one week, the Russian Minister of Defense, Mikhail Yegochev, will arrive at Gimpo Airport during his tour of Syria. We've decided to finalize the specifics of the second Brown Bear Project at that time, so I'd like you to attend, Senior Managing Director Jin.”
“Does that mean you're accepting my condition?”
“You heard my call, didn't you? The decision has already been made by our superiors, so you need not worry about that.”
If this weren't the NIS headquarters, I would have cheered out loud.
First the ballistic missile development rights, and now the attack helicopter contract.
If this went well, I could catch two birds with one stone.
“In that case, I will, of course, accept the NIS's proposal.”
Of course, the process wouldn't be smooth.
First, I had to successfully conclude the negotiations to truly say I had the birds in hand.
But I wasn't even considering the possibility of failure.
A deal is easily made when both parties reach a mutually satisfactory agreement, and I happen to be holding something that will surely satisfy them.
“Then I'll be waiting for good news.”
“Yes, I will do my best not to disappoint you.”