Chapter 57
Chapter 57
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Vine
Chapter: 57
Chapter Title: A Meeting with the Tsar
-----------------------------------------------------------------
[Welcome!]
The next day, Alexei, the Director of the Foreign Intelligence Service, greeted us upon our arrival at the prime minister's residence.
His face was tense, clearly mindful of the previous day's incident, and he continued to condemn what had happened as he guided us to the meeting place.
[Tailing a guest we invited was a blatant disregard for Russia. I hope you understand the consequences.]
I couldn't bring myself to ask if the Japanese intelligence agent had actually been killed.
Given how agitated he was, the outcome was obvious.
If there was one thing I gained from this, it was the certainty that I wouldn't have to worry about information leaks in our anti-air missile development project with Russia.
This was especially true considering China's current, all-out efforts to steal information from defense industries around the world.
[By the way, there's something I should tell you before you meet the Prime Minister. I heard the Sukhoi Design Bureau has a few Su-27M prototypes in storage after their procurement plan was canceled. If you're thinking of acquiring a physical model for technology demonstration and analysis, it might not be a bad idea to subtly ask if a purchase is possible.]
[Is that really possible?]
[For us, exporting even one unit is money. Why would we refuse? Besides, South Korea is acquiring the technology by paying a fair price, so we have no reason to complain if you take the airframe apart.]
If that was true, it was welcome news for me.
Reverse engineering was essential for a quick analysis anyway, and I was already considering trying to obtain even a used airframe currently in Russian service for that purpose.
[By the way, it seems South Korea has truly decided to pursue its own indigenous development.]
Just then, Alexei made a pointed remark.
When I just stared at him silently, he let out a slight smirk and continued.
[Isn't that a natural conclusion to draw in this situation? Especially since South Korea is preparing for its next-generation fighter jet selection process.]
I answered with an awkward smile.
Then, with a very serious expression, he spoke again.
[Tsk, it would have been better if South Korea had just bought our aircraft for its next-generation fighter, but what can you do? Things are already heading in this direction. Oh, and we need to be clear on one thing. We are providing a technology transfer, not permission for licensed production. So, a perfect copy would be problematic.]
I had no intention of completely copying the Sukhoi either.
I just planned to take what I could.
For example, the core algorithms of the engine software.
Or perhaps referencing the design philosophy of the Sukhoi, which boasts incredible maneuverability despite violating aerodynamic principles, through complete reverse engineering.
Furthermore, if I could understand how the twin-engine design with a wide separation between the engines, like the Tomcat, affects maneuverability, it would be a great help in shaping our future designs.
To put it simply, this was a completely different situation from the F-15K, where we couldn't even remove a single screw without permission. I intended to make the most of this opportunity.
[The Prime Minister has arrived.]
Just as I was about to respond with another smile, someone's announcement coincided with the doors to the lobby opening.
The man who entered was exactly who I thought he would be.
The tsar who would hold Russia in his grip for decades to come was walking straight toward me.
[A pleasure to meet you.]
Everyone in my group, except for Deputy Director Im, looked awkward, seemingly unfamiliar with Putin's face.
But to me, it was an all-too-familiar face.
The only thing that was a bit surprising was that he seemed much shorter than I had expected.
[If you haven't eaten yet, would you care to join me? I came here early this morning and haven't had anything to eat.]
He suggested a meal before our discussion.
He must have sensed the tense atmosphere directed at him due to yesterday's incident.
Fortunately, his intention seemed to work, as the conversation across the table grew more natural over time.
“Deputy Director Im. I apologize, but would it be possible to have the NIS agents wait outside for a moment?”
I whispered to Deputy Director Im during a lull in the conversation.
Sensing my intention, he immediately nodded and had Im Hyuk-soo and the other agents leave the room.
[As you might have guessed, the reason I wanted to see you, Chairman Jin, was to discuss the specifics of the anti-air missile development project. Furthermore, I was also thinking we might be able to pursue cooperative projects beyond that, if possible.]
As the meal was drawing to a close, Putin began to speak again.
It was just as I was putting down my fork.
I looked at him intently and asked.
[Beyond that? What kind of projects are you referring to specifically?]
[Well, that is something we will have to discuss from now on.]
Despite bringing it up himself, he seemed to be trying to gloss over it vaguely.
It felt like he was testing the waters.
He was certainly different from Western politicians in many ways.
[I'm not sure what you wish to discuss, but if it's for the benefit of both our nations, I will listen with an open mind. However, if you don't mind, may I ask a favor before we proceed with the technology exchange?]
Putin, who had been nodding, glanced at me at my last words.
His eyes seemed to say, 'If you have something to say, say it.'
Having come this far, I decided to just go for it and spoke up.
[Would it be possible to dispatch software designers from the Sukhoi Design Bureau to our side?]
[….]
At my words, Putin stared at me intently.
His expression seemed negative.
Feeling a sense of urgency, I continued.
[As you well know, Prime Minister, software isn't something that can be mastered simply by acquiring algorithms. Therefore, for an effective technology transfer and to adapt it to our circumstances, we believe the know-how of the Sukhoi Design Bureau is necessary. Besides, isn't the Sukhoi Design Bureau also in a position where it needs to adjust its workforce due to the economic crisis? If we were to hire those personnel, it would be mutually….]
[That would be difficult.]
He expressed his refusal while I was in the middle of speaking.
As I watched him silently, he lifted his teacup and added.
[As you know, a great number of talented individuals have already left Russia. Because of that, even if our economic situation improves in the future, we will find ourselves short of people to protect our own technology.]
I had nothing to say, so I remained silent.
The current brain drain of Russian technical personnel has brought the country's industrial base to the brink of collapse.
Thinking of the future, they really do need to prevent any further loss of personnel.
Tsk, I guess it really is impossible.
[I heard the acquisition of Motor Sich is already underway. Why not cooperate with their personnel?]
Just then, Putin spoke again.
[Of course, that is also an option. In fact, we plan to have personnel exchanges once the merger is complete. But Motor Sich's fighter jet software technology is hardly on par with the Sukhoi Design Bureau's.]
He fell silent again.
Just as I thought it was a final refusal, he suddenly said something unexpected.
[How about sending your researchers here instead?]
[….]
[Of course, we will take full responsibility for their safety.]
If their safety could be guaranteed, that wouldn't be a bad option either.
After all, they would have no reason to play tricks on people who were coming to learn, not to teach.
But just as I was about to nod readily, he suddenly added a condition.
[On the condition that you grant my request as well.]
As he spoke, he glanced around the room.
As if on cue, Alexei and all the other Russians immediately stood up and left the room. Putin then turned back to our group and said.
[I apologize, but from now on, I would like to speak only with Deputy Director Im, myself, and Chairman Jin.]
As soon as the words were out, my head of security looked at me.
I nodded, and he and Secretary Kim immediately rose from their chairs. In the end, only the three of us remained in the spacious hall.
[About the planned anti-air defense system project. I feel it would be a shame if it ended with just the construction of a short-range defense system. What are your thoughts, Chairman Jin?]
Putin picked up his steaming teacup and got to the point.
But those words meant that Russia was proposing we co-develop something beyond the S-350.
In other words, he was suggesting we develop a true ballistic missile interception system together.
‘So this is why he insisted on meeting me. He wants the precision guidance system after all.’
[It seems you believe, Prime Minister, that the precision guidance system of our HVP can be applied to a ballistic missile interception system.]
[It's not an unreasonable assumption. A guidance system that can accurately guide a small projectile to a direct-hit intercept should have no trouble intercepting a ballistic missile. Of course, it would require a suitable interceptor, but that is something we in Russia can overcome with our technology, no?]
He wasn't wrong.
Their rocket propulsion technology was top-class.
In particular, multi-pulse rocket technology was possessed only by the United States and Russia. And with a rocket based on that technology, a precision guidance system, and a means of detection, ballistic missile interception was not just a dream.
[I'll admit that.]
The cruel twist of fate was that multi-pulse rocket technology was exactly what I needed.
It was the technology that enabled long-range propulsion with a single body, without the need for a multi-stage rocket.
I needed it to develop an interception system that could replace THAAD, or even the SM-3.
‘No, it's not just that. Considering that the propulsion for long-range air-to-air missiles also requires this technology, it's a critical technology that I absolutely must acquire.’
Only with that could I create a replacement for America's long-range air-to-air missile, the AMRAAM.
Of course, going with a ducted ramjet propulsion system like the European Meteor wasn't a bad option, but the air intakes would become an obstacle for internal weapon bays later on. All things considered, the multi-pulse method was more suitable for us.
‘Well, it would be even better if we could develop both. We already possess ducted ramjet technology anyway.’
[So, if we agree on co-development, I am prepared to offer our multi-pulse technology.]
*Gulp.*
I couldn't help but swallow at Putin's casually delivered words.
But it wasn't time to celebrate yet, as I could guess what he would say next.
Sure enough, he immediately stated what he wanted.
[In return, you would naturally have to provide your radar technology, wouldn't you? That's what makes it a co-development, filling in what each other lacks.]
[We can transfer the radar and precision guidance technology. However, only up to the level capable of intercepting ballistic missiles.]
[Does that mean it won't be on the level of the HVP system currently being built in South Korea?]
[If that's what you're asking for, then there is no point in proceeding with this project.]
That wasn't just an empty threat.
Frankly, would it make any sense to give away our multi-band AESA radar technology just to get rocket technology?
I would rather the entire project fall through than give up our heart.
[….]
Putin showed a look of disappointment.
Just as the thought crossed my mind that the co-development was off the table, he twisted his lips into a slight smile and said.
[I suppose it's not a favorable deal from your perspective. I admit it was an unreasonable demand.]
[….]
[Tsk, let's agree on the level you've proposed for the radar technology. But keep in mind, it must be definitively capable of intercepting ballistic missiles.]
‘Haaah….’
A sigh of relief escaped me.
It was a relief that he was a man with whom reason could prevail.
But then, he pulled his teacup closer again and continued with a meaningful expression.
[I have one question. What would we have to give you to obtain the complete HVP radar technology?]
[….]
Curious about his intention, I watched him silently.
His gaze was unwavering; perhaps this wasn't just a casual probe.
[Well, I haven't really thought about that….]
[Frankly, if South Korea were to offer that radar technology, I would be willing to give anything in return. But I'm not asking for a decision right now, so you don't need to look so serious.]
[….]
[Oh, and since we're on the topic, how about we use this opportunity to build a strategic cooperative relationship?]
[Aren't Russia and the Republic of Korea already cooperating through the Brown Bear project?]
[That's a forced cooperation between governments born out of debt. What I'm proposing is that we use this opportunity to expand the exchange between Jaewoo Group and Russian defense companies.]
It was not a bad proposal for me.
Continuous exchange with Russian defense companies, which have a tremendous foundation in basic science and materials, would allow us to fill in our own gaps.
Of course, we would have to give as much as we received, but that was a given.
Just the fact that we could gain decades of accumulated know-how in basic fields made it a deal with no downsides.
Take, for example, the material for the propellant diaphragm in the multi-pulse rocket we just discussed.
Without considerable accumulated know-how in basic materials, its development would be impossible.
[I have no reason to refuse.]
With things turning out this way, the trip to Russia was well worth it.
No, it wasn't just worth it; it was an enormous gain.
As I answered without hesitation, a smile formed on Putin's face.
[I like your straightforward answer. I have no doubt about the loyalty of South Koreans, so I have high expectations for the future.]
That 'loyalty' he mentioned was probably referring to South Korean companies like Samjung.
Unlike companies from other countries that quickly packed up and fled when the economic crisis hit, our companies never pulled out.
In truth, that was a result of having no other choice rather than loyalty, but for Russia, which needed to quell the anxiety of foreign companies, it must have been a great help.
[Ah! For the record, if there's one thing I can't stand, it's foreign intelligence agents running amok in my own backyard. So you won't have to worry about that.]
I tilted my head at the sudden remark.
He gave a chic smile, then stood up abruptly and said.
[I mean that you don't have to worry about the safety of the researchers you'll be dispatching to the Sukhoi Design Bureau. Whether it's China or Japan, I will not tolerate anyone interfering with our project.]
[….]
It seemed he was saying it out of consideration for me.
But why did I feel a chill?
I glanced over, and Deputy Director Im was also wearing an awkward smile.
[Well then, let's relax a bit now. Do you enjoy salmon fishing?]
From the looks of it, it seemed unlikely we'd be heading back today.
I was about to stand up readily when I suddenly remembered something I had forgotten.
[Would it be possible to sell us a few of the Su-27M airframes that are said to be in storage at the Sukhoi Design Bureau, for technology verification and research purposes?]
[….]
He looked at me with an ambiguous expression.
His eyebrows furrowed in a way that seemed negative, but then the corners of his mouth twisted up.
[Twenty million dollars per unit. Any less would be difficult.]
I couldn't help but smirk.