Chapter 168: Overseas Sales

Separate Conference Room under the Ministry of Defense’s Project Support Headquarters

Lieutenant General Kim Dae-hoon sat down and smiled at me.

“CEO Kang, you’ve really created something remarkable. Honestly, I never expected results like this.”

I returned the smile.

“I was quite worried, so I’m relieved it turned out well.”

“Relieved? This is more than just good—it’s revolutionary. It’s on a completely different level compared to the other weapons submitted.”

Lieutenant General Kim paused in thought before speaking again.

“Based on these results, the Ministry of Defense plans to select Dojin Frontier as the official supplier for the Next-Generation Weapon System (WSPI).”

I had expected as much, but hearing it still sent a thrilling excitement through me.

I restrained my emotions and bowed my head.

“I won’t let you down.”

Lieutenant General Kim asked, his expression curious.

“But how exactly does the AGE-01’s bullet track its target?”

He seemed eager for an answer, his Adam’s apple bobbing.

After a moment’s thought, I explained the principle briefly.

“The bullet itself is equipped with a micro-MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical System)-based active steering fin. After firing, the bullet uses air resistance to self-adjust its trajectory.”

Lieutenant General Kim nodded in admiration, stroking his chin.

“So when the Blacktail operatives were hiding, the bullet changed its path to hit the target—same principle?”

I nodded.

“Correct. The computation module analyzes the bullet’s trajectory and the target’s movement at high speed, making real-time adjustments.”

Lieutenant General Kim raised his eyebrows in surprise.

“That’s incredible technology. Even though we deliberately made the target very small for the Apache test, seeing it hit was astonishing.”

The results were successful, but if the data simulator update had been even slightly delayed, we might not have passed the final test.

“The AGE-01 isn’t perfect. The current computation module has limitations when targeting fast-moving objects.”

“Limitations?”

To correct his misunderstanding that the AGE was an all-weather missile, I added,

“While it’s optimized for single-target tracking, additional development is needed to handle multiple high-speed targets or complex threats.”

“What do you mean by complex threats?”

I took a breath before answering.

“For example, multiple small drones attacking simultaneously, high-speed reconnaissance or assault vehicles, or air-to-ground and ground-to-ground missile attacks, depending on the situation.”

Lieutenant General Kim’s eyes lit up.

“So it can intercept missiles too?”

“Intercepting supersonic cruise missiles is impossible, but for subsonic missiles, it has a much higher success rate than conventional rifles.”

Even so, the probability isn’t very high for missiles.

Lieutenant General Kim nodded, understanding.

“Actually, the military has been struggling with defenses against drone swarms and small weapons. The AGE-01 could be a solution.”

“But implementing what I mentioned will take more time.”

To complete the AGE technology, we needed the ‘Luna’ AI platform for real-time computation, but I didn’t mention that.

“So, with more time, it’s definitely possible?”

Technically, we needed more time and money, but there was no need to add pressure right away.

“Yes. If you tell us the Ministry’s specs and conditions, we’ll meet them.”

Lieutenant General Kim smiled, satisfied.

“We’ll discuss price and quantity through official documents. I’ll send the team soon.”

As he stood to leave, I stopped him.

“Wait… I have something else to discuss.”

He sat back down.

“Go ahead.”

“I’d like to sell the AGE-01 not just to the Ministry, but also abroad. Can you approve that?”

Since the AGE-01 would likely be classified as a tactical weapon, the Ministry’s approval was essential for export.

Lieutenant General Kim frowned.

He seemed to understand my request but knew it wasn’t an easy decision.

To help, I added,

“I was planning to bring this up during negotiations, but… supplying the AGE-01 only domestically might make the price a bit steep.”

“The price?”

“Yes, the A2 rifle costs around 2.9 million won. The AGE-01’s production cost alone is over 12 million won. Even with minimal profit margins, we’re looking at 15 million won. The AGE-02, with its final features, will cost nearly double the AGE-01.”

Lieutenant General Kim’s eyes widened at the unexpected price.

“That expensive?”

“Without the computation module, we could supply it at the A2 price, but… the performance difference wouldn’t be significant.”

Without active firing capabilities, the AGE-01 would be no different from an ordinary rifle.

“Hmm… without the module, there’s no point in replacing. If selected as the next-gen weapon, we’d need about 380,000 units…”

“For the AGE-02, we’re looking at around 11.4 trillion won.”

Of course, the MEMS-equipped bullets would be separate.

Lieutenant General Kim took a deep breath.

“So, if we approve overseas exports, you can lower the domestic price?”

“As production volume increases, costs naturally decrease.”

It was a simple principle, requiring no lengthy explanation.

“Can we review this internally and get back to you?”

“Of course.”

There was more to say, but this wasn’t the right time.

I decided to end the discussion here.

Ministry of Defense Main Conference Room

Around the large oval table sat key officials, including Minister of Defense Lee Jung-kook and Lieutenant General Kim Dae-hoon, all with grave expressions.

“Exporting the AGE-01 overseas is a sensitive matter,” Minister Lee said gravely.

Lieutenant General Kim nodded.

“I agree. Since the AGE-01 has been selected as the next-gen infantry weapon, we must address technology leakage and strategic security concerns.”

Brigadier General Kim Young-tae, head of Strategic Planning, added,

“As per Lieutenant General Kim’s report, the AGE with its computation module is essentially a precision-guided weapon. Export approval won’t be easy.”

Many attendees murmured in agreement, nodding.

However, Choi Min-seok, head of the Defense Acquisition Program Administration, offered a different perspective.

“It’s not that simple. Given the high production cost of the AGE-01, as CEO Kang said, full military adoption would be costly. Increasing production through overseas sales might be necessary.”

Minister Lee sighed heavily.

“I understand the need for exports, but we must first ensure the computation module isn’t leaked.”

Lieutenant General Kim spoke up.

“There is a solution.”

All eyes turned to him.

“We could limit sales to a ‘Lite’ version of the AGE-01.”

“Lite version?”

Minister Lee looked at him, wanting more explanation.

“By restricting the computation module’s advanced features and including only basic ballistic correction and precision optics, we can minimize technology leakage concerns.”

Minister Lee thought for a moment, then nodded.

“A Lite version would reduce leakage risks. But what if buyers demand the full version?”

Lieutenant General Kim replied firmly,

“The full version must be restricted to domestic use only.”

Knowing the AGE-01’s capabilities better than anyone, he couldn’t allow it to fall into foreign hands.

Brigadier General Kim Young-tae countered,

“But if a country like the U.S. learns of the AGE-01’s performance and pressures us, can we resist?”

The room fell silent again.

As he said, pressure from a superpower like the U.S. could become very real.

“What if we keep the full version classified?”

Lieutenant General Kim shook his head.

“Too many people have already seen it. Once it’s issued to regular troops, the secret won’t last long.”

“Then why not just sell the full version?”

Choi Min-seok suggested.

“Sell the full version?”

Minister Lee looked surprised.

“Yes, as Lieutenant General Kim said, the AGE-01 isn’t the final version. Selling the current version abroad, using the profits to accelerate AGE-02 development, and keeping the upgraded version exclusively for us could be more strategic.”

It made sense, but Lieutenant General Kim still shook his head firmly.

“With no guarantee when AGE-02 will be completed, selling AGE-01 to enemies could be a significant threat.”

The Ministry officials continued to debate, but no conclusion was reached on exporting the AGE-01.

A Few Days Later: National Future Alliance Party Leader’s Office

Assemblyman Baek Moo-jin closed the document and asked his chief of staff,

“I hear the Ministry is delaying approval for AGE-01 exports. What’s the situation?”

“The computation module is highly sensitive, so opinions within the Ministry are divided.”

Assemblyman Baek frowned.

“Is there strong opposition?”

“Some military personnel and intelligence officials strongly oppose it. Especially Lieutenant General Kim Dae-hoon, who oversaw the WSPI evaluation, is firmly against it.”

Assemblyman Baek nodded, understanding.

“Having seen the AGE-01’s performance, that’s no surprise.”

“I watched the evaluation video too… honestly, if that weapon falls into enemy hands, it could be a serious threat.”

“But the Ministry can’t afford the weapon replacement costs either.”

“True. Replacing the rifles alone costs over 11 trillion won, and changing the ammunition system adds significantly to the budget.”

Assemblyman Baek slowly tapped his fingers on the desk.

A heavy resonance filled the room.

“Selling the AGE-01 abroad is risky, but domestic sales alone won’t sustain the WSPI project.”

“Many in the party want a cautious approach. If issues arise later, political responsibility could fall on you.”

“We can’t just sit idle.”

Assemblyman Baek pressed his lips firmly together.

He owed his political foundation to CEO Kang Tae-joon, and the substantial political funds he provided were indispensable.

‘But in this situation, there are no alternatives…’

As Assemblyman Baek gazed out the window, deep in thought, his secretary approached and whispered,

“Assemblyman, CEO Kang Tae-joon would like to see you.”