"Are you sure we need to do that? It's a technical exchange between the same socialist countries, and there will be room for a misunderstanding when you step forward..."

Commander Jun seemed to hope not to hurt Russia's pride

"So you're confident our navy can beat a Chinese nuclear submarine?"

"I'm confident we can detect any Chinese submarine. We have Aegis destroyers equipped with sonar and two helicopters to prepare for the anti-submarine warfare. We have a well-trained task team as well."

"That's great, but what if you have an advanced diesel submarine? Will you be able to effectively cope with it?"

"It can't compare to a nuclear submarine, but I'm confident I can keep it in check."

"Then why don't we get a mid-sized submarine. We'll have to decide which country to bring in the submarine from."

"Why don't you get it from Sweden's Saab where you're a shareholder or Germany?"

"I was thinking of getting it from Korea. I heard that Germany, which transferred submarine technology, is also impressed by Korean technology."

"I think that should be fine. It'll be easy to integrate the force if we brought it from Korea, and we can ask the Korean Navy to provide training for our staff, so it'll be like killing two birds with one stone."

"All right, but before we do that, I've got to address the nuclear technology transfer issue. I can't let it go."

***

Despite Commander Jun's concern, Youngho felt he had to do something, so he called Yaniv.

"Mr. Yaniv, as I have described, you need to know that the sophistication of China's nuclear submarines could hamper Russia in the future. I'm afraid Russia is being dragged around by China these days."

-I guess the nuclear submarine technology is not something to be underestimated.

"Of course. Imagine China's submarine hiding in the deep sea for six months. It's a monster with strategic nuclear weapons. Wouldn't it be threatening?"

-Would Putin transfer technology without considering such an issue?

"Of course, he must have decided on technology transfer after careful consideration, but if Russia thinks of Kazakhstan as an ally, please tell him to reconsider."

-Then don't stress over it. Why don't you order a nuclear submarine from Putin? I think Putin promised that last time.

Yaniv suggested to Youngho to buy a nuclear submarine from Russia.

For the Kazakh Navy, which had been operating small submarines in the 300-ton-cla.s.s, a nuclear submarine was a huge step forward. One nuclear submarine had more power than three or four mid-sized diesel-powered submarines.

"If Putin offered an affordable price for sale or lease, I'll think about it."

-Are you serious? Shall I really tell that to Putin?

"Even if we are blood allies, would Putin give the national strategic weapon so easily?"

-You've done so much for Russia. I'm sure he will grant such a request. Besides, it'll be strange if he doesn't like that since you'd be taking care of the nuclear submarines rusting at the harbor, and if the Kazakh Navy is strengthened, it's also good for Russia.

"I hope I don't embarra.s.s myself by asking for a submarine shamelessly. Would you quietly mention it to President Putin for me?"

There were only about ten Russian nuclear submarines that were actively operating due to Russia's economic difficulties.

There was also a rumor that the 40,000-ton nuclear submarine, which was built during the Cold War era, would soon be decommissioned due to the difficulties of its maintenance.

Under such circ.u.mstances, it would not be so difficult to buy a nuclear submarine from Russia.

-I know your concern. Just wait and see, I'll make it happen.

Youngho called Yaniv to express his regret for Russia's nuclear submarine technology transfer to China, but he was instead encouraged to buy a submarine from Russia.

If he bought a nuclear submarine, China would be the most sensitive about the news.

It would be a great deterrence and be a frightening factor to the Chinese naval forces if it sometimes disappeared without a sound after being anch.o.r.ed in the Seych.e.l.les or Abu Dhabi ports. It would be just for relocation of its port, but to Kazakhstan's enemies, it would be quite concerning.

***

After the phone call with Yaniv, Youngho called in Commander Jun hurriedly.

"Mr. Yaniv told me to ask for a nuclear submarine if we wanted to check China's submarines. If Russia sells or rents a nuclear submarine, can we operate it?"

At Youngho's words, Commander Jun got so excited that he even stuttered.

"Your Highness, can you buy a nuclear submarine?"

"Putin once told me that he would even build one for me if I wanted one. If he hasn't forgotten, I think I'll be able to buy one."

"If you do interior repairs and replace the equipment with a new model, you'll have the strongest submarine in the world. The West has acknowledged what a formidable object it is."

"Is it that strong?"

"It's a submarine that can go down to the depths of the ocean, not to mention the deterrence of war. In short, it's the best submarine."

"Well, then, shall we postpone our plan to get a diesel submarine?

"Yes, sir. With one nuclear submarine, we can beat any diesel submarine."

"You mean any nuclear submarine can help power."

"Yes. Imagine that wherever you go, the Task Force follows you secretly in the water for months without refueling. We won't have to be afraid of any enemy protesting in front of our eyes. The enemy will have to face a torpedo that it doesn't even know where it's coming from."

Commander Jun excitedly explained as if he feared that Youngho might change his mind. Nuclear-powered submarines were a dream of any naval commander.

"You're saying that it's more useful for the joint operation with a task team rather than operating it alone."

"That's right, we need to instill an awareness that we're always attached to the task team. That way, the Chinese Navy will be alerted."

"Okay, but don't expect too much since it hasn't been decided yet."

"Will it be easy for Putin to reject what you have asked for?"

"I don't know. Mr. Yaniv will mention it to Putin soon. So please keep it to yourself."

"I don't think I'll be able to eat for the time being until the nuclear submarine acquisition is confirmed."

"Hahaha… Take this opportunity to go on a diet, then. You've been gaining weight. Maybe it's because your life on the s.h.i.+p is getting longer."

"I'm sorry, Your Grace. Soldiers shouldn't be like this, but when I go out to sea, I have a great appet.i.te and eat twice as much compared to the time when I'm on land."

Although the Aegis destroyer was large, it was still a small s.h.i.+p less than 200 meters long.

There was an exercise facility for soldiers, but it would be difficult for soldiers to exercise to the full extent.

All the men on board the wars.h.i.+p were on duty for four hours at a time, but as there was no day or night for them, even their biorhythm would be broken, so it was hardly a normal life.

In particular, task forces operating in the Indian Ocean were less active because they had to remain stranded on s.h.i.+ps for several months because they could not stop at ports but had to rely only on supply s.h.i.+ps.

The hard work of those working on a narrow s.h.i.+p was visible to Youngho's eyes.

"For the health of the soldiers, we should hurry to build a naval base in Seych.e.l.les."

"Your Highness, if you're starting construction, could we also build a submarine base?"