My Calling Is Profiler [EN]: Chapter 397

“If you request assistance from us, our faction will certainly have a say in the matter.”

The other faction has close ties to Indonesia. We, on the other hand, are trying to foster a working relationship, but it’s been, shall we say, lukewarm.

However, requesting help is something you do when you’re close to someone, or when you want to become close.

“If Madagascar reaches out, we’ll have a strong basis to advocate for improved relations.”

Politics is a battle for justification. In a tepid situation, no matter how much our faction argues, we lack that justification. But if they reach out first, it provides us with the leverage we need. Rodney Tsai, as a seasoned diplomat, understands this perfectly.

“You want us to create that justification for you?”

“Precisely.”

If we were to approach them offering help, it might be perceived as offensive or presumptuous. But if we request their assistance while discussing improved relations, it’s far less likely to cause offense. And in terms of tangible benefits, the Pohang-class corvette [a class of South Korean patrol combat corvettes] is a vessel of considerable size that would undoubtedly pique their interest.

“I will give it serious thought. This isn’t a decision I can make unilaterally.”

‘That’s what I expected.’

Of course, Park Do-joon had anticipated this response. He isn’t the dictatorial type. But that very quality will lead him into the carefully laid trap that Park Do-joon has prepared.

“Thank you.”

Yoon Tae-min spoke with genuine sincerity. The future of Korea hinges on this decision.

“I can’t guarantee it will work out.”

“It will.”

“Wouldn’t the Ulsan-class frigate be a better option than the Pohang-class?”

The Ulsan-class frigate [a class of South Korean frigates] is a larger vessel than the Pohang-class, capable of full-scale offshore operations. These frigates are also gradually being prepared for retirement; in fact, a small number have already been decommissioned.

However, Park Do-joon shook his head at Yoon Tae-min’s suggestion.

“It wouldn’t work.”

“Why not?”

“Firstly, the Madagascar government lacks the capacity to operate the Ulsan-class effectively.”

The Ulsan-class has a full load displacement of over 2,200 tons, almost twice that of the Pohang-class.

“Ships cost money to operate. We can’t simply let them rot in the harbor. And the Ulsan-class is designed for ocean operations.”

“Is that a problem?”

“It’s not a problem for Madagascar, per se. But other countries will perceive it as one.”

Even though Madagascar is an island nation, it’s situated close to the African continent. What if a neighboring country suddenly acquired a ship capable of extended ocean operations? Neighboring countries wouldn’t take kindly to that.

“Imagine if Japan suddenly built a nuclear submarine capable of launching nuclear missiles from Korea’s perspective. How would you feel?”

“Ah~!”

“That’s why the Ulsan-class isn’t a viable candidate for donation, even though it’s being retired.”

The Pohang-class, being a corvette, is capable of ocean operations, but only for cruising in fair weather; combat operations are out of the question.

In other words, it can only be used for patrolling and guarding the immediate surrounding area.

“That’s the key difference – it’s a corvette.”

Therefore, even if it’s donated, neighboring countries are unlikely to react strongly.

“On the other hand, the Ulsan-class, while insignificant to a superpower, would be a game-changer for many African nations.”

It’s clearly a ship capable of long-range attacks in the ocean.

“Would they appreciate us giving it to them? Would the Madagascar government want to strain relations with neighboring countries like that?”

Of course not. In other words, the Pohang-class corvette represents the maximum appropriate level of assistance.

“Is that so? But I’m not sure they’ll accept it, even with this…”

“Ordinarily, a 1:1 relationship yields just that. But if we become 2, and especially if the newly arrived 1 possesses significant power, the synergy can be around 3:1 or even 4:1.”

“Yes?”

“It means we’ve cultivated a very strong ally within Madagascar.”

Yoon Tae-min didn’t quite grasp the implication.

“I haven’t met anyone except Rodney Tsai?”

“Just because we haven’t met doesn’t mean we can’t become friends, hahaha.”

And those friends are sure to exert a considerable influence on our behalf.

# Let’s be friends

Rodney Tsai will undoubtedly put this on the agenda. Park Do-joon was certain of it. He doesn’t have the authority to decide alone, and Rodney Tsai isn’t the type to make such a decision unilaterally in the first place.

Of course, there was bound to be an in-depth discussion within the Madagascar government.

“So, you’re saying that if we request the donation of the Pohang-class corvette, they indicated they would actively advocate for it within Korea?”

“To be precise, a faction within Korea. They want to counterbalance the faction that has allied with Indonesia.”

“Is that feasible?”

“It seems so. After investigating from various angles, the faction that presented this to us is reportedly the dominant one within Korea. However, they appear to be seeking a way to restrain the other faction’s growth.”

The current President of Madagascar was silent for a moment, considering Rodney Tsai’s words. He is the youngest president in the nation’s history, and unusually young on a global scale.

He assumed the presidency at the age of 35.

“Is the Pohang-class so outdated that it’s not usable enough to donate?”

“No. It might seem that way from Korea’s perspective, but from ours, it’s practically an over-spec force.”

If we were to deploy it, no African country would even contemplate attacking Madagascar.

That’s the power of having missiles. Of course, it’s not as if we have no air defense capabilities. But realistically, an Aegis ship [a class of guided missile destroyers], the epitome of air defense, is far too expensive for African countries to acquire.

In the first place, African countries that lack even basic warships can’t possibly possess air defense ships.

“The strongest naval power in Africa is South Africa.”

South Africa is located just across the sea from Madagascar. Our relationship isn’t particularly good or bad, but having a country with a strong navy nearby makes Madagascar feel somewhat vulnerable.

The mainstay of the South African Navy is the Valour-class frigate [a class of frigates of the South African Navy], of which they possess four. If even one of those were to be deployed, Madagascar would be unable to escape, let alone defend itself.

“But if it’s the Pohang-class corvette… Even if it’s not enough to start a war, we can at least keep them in check.”

Because the Valour-class frigate is, as the name suggests, a frigate, not an air defense ship, its air defense capabilities are limited.

In other words, if we were to rush in with a suicidal attack, we might be able to land a hit.

And that makes the other party uneasy.

“We have no reason to fight with South Africa, do we?”

“That’s true, Your Excellency, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t have a military,”

The Minister of National Defense vehemently argued. It’s no wonder, when else would we have the opportunity to acquire a 1,200-ton ship?

Someday? That someday might be 10 or 20 years away. Moreover, international relations are unpredictable.

Madagascar and South Africa might have a lukewarm relationship now, but who knows if they might become hostile in the future?

“We must acquire this.”

As soon as the issue of donating the Pohang-class corvette was raised, the Minister of National Defense insisted that we accept it unconditionally.

“But it’s not as if money grows on trees, is it?”

“Isn’t it better than buying a new one!”

“We don’t have the money to buy a new one! And let’s say the donation is free. What about the overhaul?”

Donation means giving a ship for free, but it doesn’t end there. In fact, the ship must be properly repaired before being handed over.

Overhaul, or complete repair, costs a significant amount of money, and international practice dictates that the receiving party bears that cost.

The problem is that Madagascar doesn’t have the funds for the overhaul.

The engine must be completely overhauled, the equipment repaired, and outdated systems replaced. Furthermore, all systems are based on Korean standards, which must also be addressed. There may be some English-based systems, but Madagascar doesn’t have many English speakers.

“And what about all the weapons? Of course, Korea will initially provide used ones cheaply, but these aren’t just any weapons – they’re missiles!”

The missiles compatible with the Pohang-class are Exocet, Harpoon, and the Korean-made Haeseong. But Exocet is outdated even in Korea and has been used up for training, so there are no stocks available. Haeseong is so expensive that Madagascar can’t afford to buy and use it.

The price per missile is a staggering 2 billion won [approximately $1.5 million USD]. At the very least, Harpoon missiles would have to be purchased from the United States, but we don’t know if they’ll agree to sell them to us.

“Exocet is one of the best-selling anti-ship missiles in the world. If you look around, you’ll find countries that sell them used.”

“You can’t just rely on possibilities. Even if there is a country that sells them, what about the money to buy them?”

“That’s right. We must first invest in infrastructure!”

“That infrastructure! What, will infrastructure protect us if a war breaks out?”

“The military unit can only move if there is a proper road.”

“No, create a military unit to move and then talk! Where is the military in our country now!”

In fact, Madagascar’s military is extremely weak.

“We must expand it in the long term.”

“What if another country invades in the short term?”

The Minister of National Defense’s eyes blazed, and everyone was slightly intimidated by his words.

In fact, he was right. The surrounding African countries are mostly dictatorships. It would be disastrous if one of those countries invaded. Of course, most of them are in a similar situation.

“That’s why we need the Pohang-class corvette, Your Excellency!”

Surprisingly, even the Prime Minister agreed with the Minister of National Defense’s argument.

“President, the Minister of National Defense is actually right.”

“Why is that?”

“We have the sea. If we simply control the sea, no one can set foot on our land.”

That’s the defining characteristic of an island nation: control the sea.

“Japan and other island nations prioritize naval power over land power. Of course, we must also develop our land forces in the long term, but in the short term, even just one capable missile ship will deter most countries from attacking Madagascar.”

Even if they somehow assemble a landing fleet, a single anti-ship missile can destroy the landing ship. Air defense? The only country in the region with a proper air defense system is South Africa.

“Conversely, it means we can save the money we invest in the army and invest it in the economy.”

“Hmm.”

“And in the current situation, a 1 billion won armored vehicle is cheaper and more efficient than a 1 billion won Harpoon missile.”

A 1 billion won armored vehicle will be destroyed even if infantry shoots RPG-7s [a portable, unguided, shoulder-launched, anti-tank rocket-propelled grenade launcher] at it, but a 1 billion won Harpoon can sink those guys before they even reach our shores.”