“Find him!” Yermilov snapped.
“Yes, we will have him soon. You have my personal guarantee.” Another shift in stance. “I also wish to bring another matter to your attention…one of our Koronet satellite countermeasure devices has gone missing.”
“Awhat?”
“It is a system built by KRET,” Vasin explained, referring to the electronic warfare subsidiary of the state-owned Rostec defense manufacturer. “Koronet has been in development for many years. It can be concealed in a standard box truck and is designed to confuse the navigation systems of aircraft. A prototype has gone missing from the test site at Severnyy.”
“And why is this a concern?” Yermilov pressed, Vasin’s reluctance clear.
“It is possible…only possible…that such a device was used to instigate the recent air crash in Turkey. The American diplomatic flight.”
Yermilov’s cool gaze went to ice.
“Are you telling me we had a hand in this crash?”
“No…I mean, the army had no part in it. But our intelligence suggests that the Americans suspect a possible electronic attack. If Koronet was responsible, it was used without authorization.”
“Someonestoleour technology and used it against the Americans?”
“There is a chance Koronet was acquired by unknown parties.”
Yermilov slammed an open palm on his desk, incandescent with rage. “Can the army not keep track of its secret weapons!” he thundered.
Vasin didn’t reply. The GRU was, at least on paper, a subsidiary of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. That meant he would soon be answering to the minister of defense as well.
“Do you have any idea where this device is now?” the president prodded.
“We believe Koronet was recovered by the Americans.”
It was all Yermilov could do to quell his anger. “Can this hardware be tied to us?”
“It was assembled in the KRET production facility near Krasnoyarsk. I am told certain parts are of domestic origin, but others, including most of the digital circuitry, were obtained abroad. There is nothing stamped on the prototype to say where it came from. That said, the Americans have a long history of analyzing our military equipment. If we deny Koronet’s origin, they won’t believe it. But they can prove nothing.”
“Do you have any idea who stole it?”
“We are going back over security-camera footage from the storage site in Severnyy, but so far there is no trail. One day the truck is there. The next day it is gone. It seems to me we should focus on how Koronet was used. Gunther Klaus was set to be on this doomed flight, and others knew it. Others who wanted him eliminated.”
The president tipped his head to one side. “Malenkov?”
“His name does keep coming up.”
Yermilov considered it for a long moment, then gave a dismissive wave of his hand. “It doesn’t matter. If the Americans come at us with accusations about Koronet, we will deflect them. Finding Klaus is the priority. Coordinate with Malenkov if you must,but I want it done! And once you find him, make sure he is never again a problem.”
“I understand,” Vasin said. He turned and left the room.
Staring at the empty doorway, the president of the Russian Federation whispered, “No. You most certainly do not.”
41
Room 14
Building 31
Naval Air Station Sigonella
1816 Local Time
The room was a paramilitary’s dream. And an enemy’s nightmare. Carbines and subguns, sidearms and grenade launchers. Sniper rifles chambered for various rounds, plate carriers, optic devices. And of course, ammunition. Mountains of ammunition.
