Dear Comrade

Dear Comrade the Leader Episode 205

“launch—!!”

Woo!!!!

When the firing signal fell, the 125mm smoothbore cannon fired fire, smashing the moving target far away from the shooting range.

The tank that destroyed the target, the tank temporarily called ‘T-94’ among the development team composed mainly of former Soviets started testing its ability to drive on rough terrain, such as climbing a slope and crossing a shallow river.

This time as well as the shooting test was finished without difficulty, a low, small exclamation flowed from among the left-ranking officers and generals in the control room of the test site.

Just 10 years ago, the decibel of elasticity had to go up a lot more, but none of them could do that, considering that such a day came after meeting the leader well and making a breakthrough in the world while running a tank developed in the 1960s. there was no

Because no one could do that until the very leader in question, the general secretary, who held everything in the republic in one hand and brought it up until now, expressed his positive intentions.

“That’s great. But the important thing is not to show. How about detailed specifications?”

“Development name T-94, 58 tons, maximum acceleration 75 km on flat ground, 60 km on off-road, 9.8 m in length, 2.4 m in height, engine with 1300 horsepower, and occupancy: commander, gunner, and three drivers. The main armament is the 125mm smoothbore gun you just saw, and the secondary armament is a heavy machine gun… … What is it, one more copy of the PKM, which is a battalion machine gun.”

Antonov was one of the people in charge of the presentation of today’s scheduled schedule, ‘The Korean People’s Army Comprehensive Firepower Demonstration and Eight Tasks Interim Report’.

Although his field of specialization was aviation, as he said, he was also involved in the development of various land-based weapons, and he was implicitly a representative of former Soviet engineers.

In addition, one of the reasons why Jeong-hwan chose him was that he was a person who could tell the truth without adding or subtracting reports because he was blind to the ball or afraid of being questioned.

And now, as he expected, Antonov broke the usual blunt silence and spoke like a gardener who showed his painstakingly manicured garden.

“… … To be honest, I don’t really like the secondary armament, but the machine gun should be left with this until the ongoing improvement work on infantry firearms is finished. And thermal imaging equipment, chemical gas filters on the autoloader… … And later, you can optionally equip an infantry anti-aircraft weapon and convert it to an engineer tank by attaching a shovel or the like. It should be used as a main tank for at least the next 10 years, because versatility is important.”

“What about gloves?”

“Composite armor is applied to the front, and the sides of the hull and turret are reinforced with Explosive Reactive Armor. I’m not familiar with that area, so I don’t know, but he said that he put a lot of the design ideas of the Yankees, including Abrams. … … Hell, if you’re beaten like that in Iraq and you don’t see and learn anything, you’ll have to stick your nose in a plate and die. ttt.”

Another co-presenter, Baek Seung-cheol, who was standing next to Antonov saying that he had no choice but that something was hurting his self-esteem, when the word Iraq came out, he hummed and coughed as if asking for a chance to talk to him, but Antonov was still a fish in the water. continued to explain.

“And gloves, your factory technicians in Chongjin are new, so I’ll have to explain this a bit. At the time of the design, it was the initial plan to import all of the complex and delicate steel plate materials for armor because there was no way to produce it on its own in North Korea… … .”

“… … Hum, Comrade Antonov, now I have to explain a little… … .”

“… … Fortunately, this was made possible thanks to our almighty comrade here, who bought the South Korea Heavy Chemicals and finished car companies a few years ago. Yeah, I’m not good at compliments in the first place, but it’s really great that we succeeded in producing modern composite gloves in a little over three years on our own, even if not 100%, even with national investment and support. I admit it.”

“… … Look, comrade. Wait a minute… … .”

“Especially considering the level of industrial power that brought tears to your eyes 10 years ago. Even if there was voluntary and anti-technical assistance from Korean companies, including Korea and Hyundai, in the middle, it is really true that this republic was able to produce and procure ceramic fillers for composite gloves at a level that can be applied to the present generation… … .”

Antonov, unable to control his passion for weapon development and unable to stop speaking, finally couldn’t stand it any longer, so Baek Seung-cheol stopped talking in the middle and stepped forward.

“… … It has been a revolutionary journey of blood, sweat and tears that has been so long! It was the blood and sweat of researchers at Kimchaek University of Technology who worked countless nights to digest Russian and southern technology and research and produce materials required for design, and our heavy chemical workers in Rason and Chongjin. However, the joint efforts of the General Staff and the researcher here in order to fulfill the comrade’s instructions to achieve self-reliance in defense technology have achieved today’s feat.”

“ah… … Yes, it was a lot of work. I promise in my name that there will be corresponding rewards and promotions in the future to all military and scientific comrades who have made merit in this project. Then, not the train, but the next inspection… … .”

“… … However, there is one thing I want you to pay special attention to in this tank. Comrades Antonov, Russian technicians, and Chongjin factory workers, of course, had many hardships. There is something you have asked me to tell you.”

“Look! Baek comrade. I know that the military, the General Staff, and the General Bureau put a lot of effort into promoting these eight tasks, and I also know that Comrade Paik wants to brag about his achievements as the final manager, but what is Comrade General Secretary teaching? … .”

When Jeong-hwan was about to move on to the next order, Baek Seung-cheol rushed in, and Jang Seong-taek, who was observing with him, frowned and raised his voice.

Perhaps it was not only Jang Sung-taek’s thoughts, but the members of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the party government (who are still not comfortable with the People’s Army) also hardened their faces.

If it was like the old days when the leader gave a stern instruction and it was terrifying to stop talking, wouldn’t it be perfect for even the highest rank in the People’s Army to have his throat blown away?

However, Jung-hwan was silent for a moment, looked into Baek Seung-cheol’s eyes, and then gave permission.

“It’s okay. Anyway, today’s schedule is almost empty. tell me But I wish I could.”

“… … From design to engine and armor material problems, the Republic’s light industry and materials engineering capabilities at the time were so insufficient that the horses were left in the hands of engineers from South and Russia, but some of the electronic equipment, such as the ballistic computer, which will become the brain of Tank, are in the hands of the general secretary. Thanks to the foresight of our comrades and our investment since the early 1990s, there was an opinion that it was worth trying to develop our own technology with 100% of the Republic’s technology.

“… … therefore?”

“After bringing in even a professor of physics from Kim Dae-dae through the connection of second-degree comrade Hong Gye-seong from the General Staff, we succeeded in creating a fire control system that is second to none, including a ballistic computer and a laser measuring instrument, with pure Republic technology, and it is currently installed in that new tank. . I’m sorry… … .”

The members of the Politburo looked dissatisfied with what Baek Seung-cheol was trying to say, but Jeong-hwan remained silent and listened.

And finally they could see what Baek Seung-cheol was trying to say.

“… … Unfortunately, two young researchers, who were recruited and engaged in tank development while attending Kim University, stayed up for four nights and died from overwork. By all means, it is my suggestion that Comrade General Secretary should give special recognition to the hard work of other research comrades in consideration of their future morale. … … I apologize for disturbing you during the teaching, and I will receive a sweeter punishment.”

“… … We will make sure that you receive the Order of Heroes of the Republic and a pension equivalent to that of the rear family.”

‘The death of a researcher at a national research institute exhausted from overwork… … This doesn’t sound like someone else’s story.’

It was an idea that Jung-hwan made without any hesitation, promising to treat the family members of the ranks of generals at the rear of the military ranks.

The son-in-law was quiet for a moment at the news of his unexpected death.

Even Antonov, who had been very talkative until recently, had a bitter expression on his face and kept his mouth shut.

It was Baek Seung-cheol who broke the silence first again this time.

“Comrade Hong Cha-su tried to speak to Comrade General Secretary himself, but as you know, his illness has deepened to the point where he has been unable to move for a while, so I inevitably made the statement.”

“Inevitably, the person who will be in charge of the People’s Army after Hong Cha-soo is no matter what anyone says, it’s you, comrade one hundred, so what’s unavoidable?”

“… … !! … … Then I will continue to guide you through the visit.”

This time, silence reigned in the observation room, but it was a silence mixed with a little surprise, unlike a while ago.

These days, who will take over the General Staff of the People’s Army after Hong Gye-seong, who is ill and only works to preserve his position, has been a secret but hot topic in Pyongyang and within the Workers’ Party of Korea, and Jeong Hwan has just put an end to the controversy.

Of course, as Hong Kye-seong was half-retired, Baek Seung-cheol emerged as the most important member of the current Frunze clan, and he was the most likely candidate as he was promoted from the listing to the second position not long ago.

However, quite a few executives knew that Baek Seung-cheol had an uncomfortable relationship with general secretary Jeong-hwan in the early days of his reign, so there was a lot of speculation that Jeong-hwan might have someone else sit at this opportunity.

Whether or not he knew the calculations of the party and cabinet officials who knocked on the calculator from behind the supreme leader, Jeong-hwan gently raised the corner of his mouth and urged the guide.

“I do. Next, perhaps, was the next main sub-gun business?”

* * *

Soon, party officials, cabinet members, and military officers, who became more cautious, followed Jeong-hwan to the shooting range set up in the testing ground.

On the table, the next main subgun, machine gun, and pistol, which had already been developed this time, were lined up side by side, and the gunners selected for today (with a lot of energy) were already ready to test fire.

“The ones you see now are the Type 01 dabal gun (submachine gun), the Type 02 automatic submachine gun, and the Type 03 machine gun, which will be the main sub-guns of the People’s Army in the future.”

“… … !?!? It’s clean, but since it’s new, it’s natural, and it doesn’t look much different… … Oh, what’s this on the top?”

“I’m about to start shooting now, so you’ll find out soon.”

When the test firing began, the party officials, who were less familiar with Western weapon systems than the military officers, tilted their heads.

Of course, Jeong-hwan was well aware of the innovation of the new automatic submachine gun prepared by Baek Seung-cheol, who took over the initiative on behalf of Antonov.

In fact, it was only natural that he had ordered it a long time ago.

“After long research at Chosun Optics Corporation, we succeeded in developing it with our own technology, and actively insisted on introducing the advanced sight system adopted for this automatic subgun.”

Until now, the main auxiliary gun of the Korean People’s Army, or infantry assault rifle, was a minor copy version of the AK series represented by the Kalashnikov rifle, the AK 47, as was the case in almost all countries once under Soviet influence.

The Type 68 automatic rifles used before are still piled up like a mountain, and the new guns also use 7.62mm ammunition due to the problem of ammunition supply, but under the strong suggestion of Seungcheol Baek, who participated in the Gulf War, the new Type 01 subguns are equipped with a Picatinny rail (Picatinny rail). ) was applied.

Of course, it was still not completely free from the influence of the former Soviet Union, but the distribution of guns with a picatinny rail, a folding stock, and a detachable vertical handle was definitely an extraordinary measure that would not have been possible without the will of the leadership.

“In the case of sights, it is still difficult to reach the front-line infantry units, but the reconnaissance and sniper brigades have all been deployed, and the Type 01 Infantry Gun itself has already been supplied to more than half of the entire People’s Army. We plan to complete the supply to the entire army within three years.”

“Hmm, it seems that the change in the old and old days is a reflection of our republic’s diplomatic business, but I hope. But can’t you see the sniper rifle?”

“That… … .”

Baek Seung-cheol’s face, who continued to explain without hesitation, hardened slightly at this point.

The gist of the eight major tasks of the Korean People’s Army was that it was faithful to the basic principle of the defense project: ‘Introduce comprehensive changes and innovations under the goal of self-reliance, but leave the things that are okay to leave as they are’.

And faithful to that basic principle, as a result of conducting ‘project feasibility evaluation’ within the General Staff in Korean expression at the beginning of the project, ‘it is still too early to develop the sniper rifle itself. For the time being, it is better to just hire imported products.’

Of course, since only the main sub-gun was specified in the eight major tasks, it was unreasonable to regard it as a failure to achieve the goal strictly speaking, but there was also a supplementary conclusion that ‘the current Type 78 sniper rifle is inferior in quality compared to imported ones, so retire all of them and import foreign ones’. was the problem

It was a situation that could be blamed for not achieving the (really few) goal that survived from the Kim Il-sung era to the current Kim Jeong-hwan era of ‘self-reliance without dependence on foreign powers’, but Jeong-hwan was surprisingly flexible.

“Okay. After all, don’t you know well that in this era of globalization, self-manufacturing and self-sufficiency of everything is absurd?”

“Haona, Comrade General Secretary… … .”

“The independence of defense technology is a task that must be solved for the future of the republic, but there are many cases in which too much focus on localization leads to inefficiency. Wasn’t that the case even in the era of the commander-in-chief? If foreign origins are better, understanding and accepting them is one of the strengths.”

“… … .”

“Then, shall we go see the direct flight now?”

It is the basic principle of organizational operation that sometimes it is better to compromise with reality appropriately than to get frustrated by clinging to unrealistic goals.

The generals, including Seungcheol Baek, sighed inwardly, but as soon as they approached the direct flight demonstration landing site, they had to put tension on their bodies again.

And this time, surprisingly, Antonov, who had been unmanned until now, had to be a little nervous.

Jeonghwan tilted his head and asked, looking at the direct Seunggi (helicopter) standing dignifiedly after arriving at the demonstration landing site.

“… … But why are you looking? On the surface, it seems to be fine.”

“Well… … That’s it, Comrade Secretary General. I’ll be honest. It’s embarrassing, but that’s why you hired me.”

“… … Is there any problem?”

Antonov, who took over the leadership of the guide again from Baek Seung-cheol, hesitated for a moment, then sighed and said.

“This guy is a failure.”

“… … What specifically failed? Does that mean the helicopter can’t fly?”

“No, it’s not a failure in that sense… … It means that you have failed to achieve your business goals. This medium-sized multipurpose transport helicopter you are seeing right now is just a dead copy of the Soviet-made MI?26. No, to be more precise, it’s a downgrade, not a dead copy. A true MI-26 performance rating of 1 is 0.85, or 0.8 depending on pilot skill and operation.”

Antonov, who had said this up to this point, sighed a little and added.

“Even though it’s not my major, I’m sorry for making such a big deal out of it. To give an excuse, it was an unreasonable goal setting in the first place, and even if it wasn’t for our technical staff, it would have been impossible to produce this in-house. But anyway, it’s true that I didn’t live up to the requirements, so I’ll take the blame.”