Chapter 42
Chapter 42
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 42
Chapter Title: True Cooperation?
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[Well, this isn't about official cooperation between the governments of South Korea and Russia. It's simply a proposal for our Jaewoo Group to collaborate with a Russian defense contractor.]
Alexei stared with wide eyes.
Sensing the gravity of the situation from my tone, he lifted his coffee cup with caution.
[I'm not quite sure what you're getting at.]
[Let me put it simply. I'm referring to the anti-air missile Almaz is currently developing. I understand its development is delayed due to some technical issues, which Jaewoo can resolve for you. In return, we would like Jaewoo and Almaz to jointly develop a long-range air-to-air missile in the future.]
Historically, Russia was developing a new anti-air defense missile during this period to counter the American Patriot.
Our government caught wind of this and proposed a joint development, establishing a partnership.
The result was our Cheongung and Russia's Vityaz—the S-350.
[Hmm...]
But I planned to twist that history a little.
If we're going to start a joint development, we might as well see it through to the end.
What I was aiming for was the S-500, a high-altitude missile defense system that Russia would later develop with its unique technological prowess. If possible, I intended to collaborate on that as well to accumulate technology.
That was the only way to build our own high-altitude missile defense system to replace the SM-3 in the future.
[The proposal sounds plausible, but what exactly would Jaewoo resolve for us?]
[To be specific, we can compensate for the drop in precision caused by your poor semiconductor technology. In particular, if we improve your TR modules, which have barely moved past the vacuum tube stage, it would be no loss for Russia.]
[Hmm...]
Alexei wore a contemplative expression.
But I expected a positive response soon, because Russia ultimately had no other solution besides cooperating with us.
Historically, the joint development of the S-350 had happened for that very reason.
[I will report this matter as soon as I return. By the way, I didn't realize the capabilities of South Korean intelligence were this advanced. To think you know the details of our anti-air missile development.]
Alexei said, suddenly looking at the NIS Director.
Startled by the abrupt gaze, the NIS Director blinked for a moment before furtively glancing at me.
“Come to think of it, Senior Managing Director Jin, where on earth do you get such information?”
“I have my own sources within the Russian military. In fact, a friend there was a great help in acquiring the Iskander technology.”
“Ah…”
The NIS Director nodded in understanding.
Damn, they say if you keep lying, it becomes a habit.
I'm afraid I'll start spouting lies every time I open my mouth.
[In any case, it is a good proposal. It's highly likely my superiors will feel the same.]
Just then, as expected, Alexei subtly showed a sign of affirmation.
He lifted his coffee cup again and looked straight at us as he continued.
[If nothing else, for our government, which is under severe financial pressure, being able to jointly develop a long-range missile would significantly reduce the burden.]
His expression felt somehow different than before.
The hostility seemed to have vanished.
The atmosphere of the conversation that followed was indeed much different from the beginning.
[You may not know this, but we Russians never treat those who keep their faith with us poorly. If South Korea takes this opportunity to grow closer to us, there will be much to gain.]
I agreed with the part about there being much to gain, if nothing else.
Historically, through the Brown Bear Project, we were able to gauge the level of North Korean and Chinese weaponry, and we succeeded not only in cutting off arms supplies to North Korea but also in halting their military cooperation with Russia.
But what I wanted was something more.
The current situation in Russia was one where you could give one and get ten in return.
I had to suck their technology dry until the very end.
[Isn't that precisely why I'm making this proposal?]
[I'm glad you understand. In any case, the matter of the airframe is settled. So, when can we expect the results of the millimeter-wave radar test?]
As my thoughts deepened, Alexei brought up the core topic of today's meeting.
When it came down to it, that was the most pressing issue.
I counted the days in my head before replying.
[It should be possible in about three months, at the earliest. We'll need time to analyze the software source code.]
[I certainly hope for good results. If we can secure that, the Black Shark's ground attack capabilities will be on par with the Apache's, making it exportable.]
That seemed to be the reason.
The reason they were so proactive about the technology exchange, even considering giving up such important software.
They were likely planning to weather their economic crisis through arms exports, and to do that, they needed to create something marketable.
In the end, it was a sign of their intent to fill their own gaps with our help.
[Ah, I should mention this in advance. If the test is successful and the technology transfer for the KA-50 actually happens, it will likely be the original version, not a downgrade.]
[...]
I was stunned by the unexpected statement.
Russia, which always provided downgraded versions for its arms exports—why the change?
Were they now going to demand the original version from us as well, instead of a downgrade?
[Please don't misunderstand. I'm not saying South Korea should do the same.]
Thankfully, Alexei immediately dispelled my anxiety.
From his tone, it felt like he already assumed we would be sending a downgraded version.
The problem was that his attitude, despite knowing this, felt suspicious.
[Why did you make that decision?]
[Well, that's a decision from my superiors, so I wouldn't know. Perhaps it's for the same reason you proposed the joint development of the anti-air missile.]
His words were effectively a hint.
At the same time, it struck me that everyone thinks alike.
In other words, I wasn't the only one thinking of sacrificing the flesh to take the bone.
‘Indeed, South Korea's defense industry is currently developing at its fastest pace in history thanks to Jaewoo. It would be stranger if they didn't think there was something to gain from me.’
So, in the end, their goodwill was bait—bait that I had no reason to refuse.
[Well, my work here is done, so I believe it's time for me to leave.]
In the middle of the conversation, Alexei suddenly glanced at his watch.
The NIS Director did the same.
Just as I wondered if they had something urgent to attend to, he shot up from his seat and extended his hand.
[You're leaving already?]
[If I stay any longer, I'll just get caught in the American intelligence network. It's a shame, but I think we'll have to end our meeting here.]
He shook my hand with a regretful expression.
As he turned to leave, his lips twitched as if he had something more to say.
[On second thought, it might not be entirely impossible.]
[What do you mean?]
[Exchanging the atomic spin gyroscope for our fighter jet technology.]
[...]
My mind snapped to attention at his words.
This was a development I hadn't anticipated at all.
My heart was pounding so hard I couldn't bring myself to speak.
[The truth is, we desperately need the atomic spin gyroscope for a strategic weapon we're developing. It's possible my superiors will request another discussion about this issue soon.]
In that moment, something flashed through my mind.
A hypersonic cruise missile.
I wasn't certain, but this was around the time Russia had planned for it.
If not that, were they perhaps thinking of increasing the precision of their small tactical nuclear missiles?
[Then I will be in touch again soon. Ah! And from now on, we'll communicate through a courier. As you know, America's surveillance capabilities are no joke.]
Alexei turned away, leaving behind a meaningful smile.
Watching his car drive away, the NIS Director and I stared at each other blankly for a while.
“This doesn't seem like something we can just brush off, does it?”
“I agree. Let's head back to Seoul and talk more there.”
******
“Don't let anyone into the conference room.”
Back at the NIS headquarters, the Director and I immediately found a room equipped with anti-eavesdropping measures.
Worried about prying ears, we hadn't exchanged a single word on the way back.
Finally seeming at ease, the NIS Director began to speak as soon as we entered the room.
“Senior Managing Director Jin, what will you do if Russia genuinely proposes to trade Sukhoi fighter jet technology for the atomic spin gyroscope.”
“If it includes their renowned flight control system and other general technologies, we'll have to consider it. The problem is the United States. Russia wants the gyroscope to improve the precision of their small tactical nuclear missiles. Do you think the US would stand by and do nothing if they found out?”
The Director nodded as if in agreement.
Just as a bitter smile was about to form on his face, he suddenly pulled a cigarette from his pocket.
“You smoke?”
“I think it's been over two months since I quit, but today, I need one. Would you like one, Senior Managing Director Jin?”
“Isn't this a non-smoking area?”
“Is a non-smoking area really the problem right now? I feel like I won't be able to calm down unless I have one.”
He went ahead and lit the cigarette, taking a drag.
Despite his bold words, he seemed self-conscious, constantly glancing at the smoke detector on the ceiling before finally extinguishing the cigarette with an annoyed gesture.
“Dammit. To hell with it, I won't smoke.”
His actions betrayed his anxiety.
It was proof that this issue couldn't be taken lightly.
After rolling his eyes in thought for a while longer, he suddenly turned to me and spoke.
“Let's report this to the President first. And if possible, let's lean towards making the exchange.”
“…”
“Frankly, I understand why you're worried about the US, Senior Managing Director Jin. But there won't be any immediate backlash, so you don't have to worry about that.”
“On what grounds do you say that…?”
“Honestly, what would Russia use the atomic spin gyroscope for? The first thing that comes to mind is developing small tactical nuclear missiles, just as you said. But Russia doesn't have the financial capacity to develop them right now anyway. So the issue won't come to light for the time being, will it?”
He had a point.
But why did I keep feeling that wasn't the real reason?
The thought that the real reason they needed the atomic spin gyroscope wasn't for small tactical nuclear warheads, but for the development of hypersonic cruise missiles.
Then again, it probably wouldn't matter even if that were the case.
It would still be a long time before Russia unveiled a hypersonic cruise missile to the world anyway.
“Then how about this?”
I said, having come to a decision.
The NIS Director, who had been taking a sip of water, immediately fixed his gaze on me.
“We get a commitment from them. That even if they develop new tactical nuclear missiles with the gyroscope technology we provide, they won't conduct any direct tests until a certain amount of time has passed.”
“Hmm… Do you really think that will work?”
“It doesn't matter if it works or not. I'm not saying it because I expect them to agree to the condition, but as a preemptive measure.”
“A preemptive measure?”
“It's groundwork for plausible deniability. We clearly warned them, so if they break their promise, we can feign ignorance about the source of the technology. In a worst-case scenario, we could even publicly claim they stole our technology. It's a way of telling them to act accordingly, keeping that in mind.”
“Hoh… That's a good idea. So, should I take that to mean you agree to the exchange, Senior Managing Director Jin?”
In fact, that might be the better option.
It was a historical fact that Russia would eventually develop the atomic spin gyroscope, with or without me.
Wouldn't it be better to get the highest price possible while I could?
Just like with the millimeter-wave radar.
“Yes, I agree. But you're well aware that we won't be able to make use of it for some time, right?”
“Of course. With KAI currently developing a supersonic trainer with Lockheed Martin, developing another fighter jet of our own is out of the question. Still, just having the technology is a huge gain.”
The NIS Director's expression brightened when I agreed with him.
I wondered what he was thinking. His eyes shifted for a moment before he glanced at me suggestively.
“Then I’ll go report our discussion to the President. Ah! And for the record, this must remain between us. Only the President, you, and I should know.”
He stood up, his face set with the determination of a general heading into battle.
Just as his firm resolve reached me, the intercom on the wall suddenly blared.
“Shit, that scared me!”
“…”
I stared blankly, startled by the sudden profanity.
Realizing his slip, he put on an 'oops' expression, finished the call, and hung up with an awkward smile.
“The President is looking for me.”
“…”