Chapter 279: A century-old navy is not just talk
"The navy cannot be impatient. It must proceed step by step. Only in this way can it lay a solid foundation step by step." Lin Chenran said in a gentle voice, comforting softly.
A century-old navy is not just empty talk!
If you want to build a strong naval fleet, you must be down-to-earth and proceed step by step.
Although the Yan State Navy has reached a certain scale today, there is still a gap compared with the world's first-class level.
At present, the entire Yan State Navy has only one Linjiang-class Aegis missile destroyer as its main battleship, struggling to support the situation.
Even if an aircraft carrier is immediately acquired, without the coordinated protection of powerful frigates, missile destroyers, cruisers, supply ships, submarines and other types of ships, this aircraft carrier will be nothing more than a conspicuous "live target" and the deterrent power it can exert will be quite limited.
This is as dangerous as a young child walking alone in a busy city with a priceless gold brick in his hand.
Such a fragile defense system would have disastrous consequences if it were attacked by the enemy.
……
Mr. Zhang couldn't help but sigh deeply.
In fact, Mr. Zhang knew very well that considering the current comprehensive strength of Yan State, it was far from the best time to own an aircraft carrier.
However, whenever he saw the majestic aircraft carrier fleets of other countries, his heart was always filled with envy and desire.
In recent times, Mr. Zhang has clearly felt that his health is deteriorating. His health condition is like a candle in the wind and it seems that he has reached the end of his life.
If it weren't for the firm belief in the early launch of the domestically-made aircraft carrier in his heart that has been silently supporting him, he would probably have found it difficult to hold on even at this moment.
"Ugh……"
A long sigh was heard, and Zhang Lao looked haggard, with endless loneliness and sadness in his eyes. He shook his head slowly and muttered to himself: "I really don't know if my sick body can hold on until the day when China's aircraft carrier is born."
Although Mr. Zhang's voice was not loud, every word he said seemed to carry a lot of weight, which scared Lin Chenran.
His words not only expressed his helpless sigh at his own ill-fated fate, but also his deep expectation for the vigorous development of the Yan State Navy in the future.
This old man, who dedicated his entire life to the country, poured all his efforts into the country's coastal defense cause.
"Mr. Zhang, please don't scare me with such words!"
When Lin Chenran on the other end of the phone heard this, he was immediately shocked.
"I also hope that you can personally place an order for aircraft carriers for our 704 Shipyard on behalf of our navy."
"If you fall, who will be able to complete this mission?"
Lin Chenran started to act funny, encouraging the other party in another way.
"Hahahaha! You little brat! I, an old man, am not that easy to die!"
Mr. Zhang suddenly threw his head back and laughed, his laughter full of heroism and indomitable spirit.
"As long as I am still alive, I will insist on seeing the day when the domestically-made aircraft carrier is launched. Otherwise, even if I die, I will not be able to rest in peace, and I will not be able to face the martyrs and great men who sacrificed their lives for the country!"
Mr. Zhang's gaze became unusually firm, as if he had seen through the heavy fog and the magnificent sight of the domestically-made aircraft carrier setting sail on the sea.
At this moment, Lin Chenran was quick to seize the opportunity and said impatiently, "Mr. Zhang, through in-depth analysis and research on the current project progress and various technical indicators, we can make a more accurate prediction."
"If nothing unexpected happens, the construction of our independently developed and manufactured domestically-made aircraft carrier will be officially started within the next three years."
When he said this, he deliberately adjusted his tone, trying to make it sound relaxed and confident, because he fully hoped that such words would bring more encouragement and vision to Mr. Zhang.
Hearing this, Zhang Lao's originally dull eyes suddenly seemed to be ignited by a fire, and instantly became extremely bright, as dazzling as the bright stars shining in the deep night sky.
Then, a smile as warm and bright as the spring sun broke out on his weather-beaten face.
However, before Mr. Zhang could respond, Lin Chenran continued to add with great interest: "Mr. Zhang, please don't be satisfied with just seeing an aircraft carrier."
"We have to see the powerful fleet formed by two aircraft carriers. Such a scene is absolutely earth-shattering and heart-shaking!"
Once a dual aircraft carrier formation is formed, its overall deterrent force will be greatly enhanced.
The number of various types of fighter jets will increase significantly, and even the number of various types of warships will increase accordingly.
In this way, the comprehensive combat capability of the entire fleet will surely achieve a qualitative leap.
"Dual carrier formation?"
For a moment, Mr. Zhang was also deeply attracted by the picture drawn by Lin Chenran!
He really didn't expect that the navy didn't even have an aircraft carrier, but Lin Chenran was actually thinking of a double aircraft carrier formation.
Currently, there are only two superpowers capable of operating a dual aircraft carrier formation: the United States and Russia.
As for other countries, you can just go to bed and dream about anything.
For a country, owning a powerful aircraft carrier fleet means having stronger strategic deterrence and actual combat capability in the ocean.
The dual aircraft carrier formation can take the deterrence to a higher level.
……
Lin Chenran then said: "We only have one aircraft carrier fleet, which is far from enough to maintain our vast, vast and magnificent sea borders."
"According to my prediction, at least three to five aircraft carriers are needed to meet the demand!"
Lin Chenran seemed particularly excited at this moment, and continued to elaborate on his bolder ideas deep in his heart: "Especially when building the third aircraft carrier, I also plan to join forces with the country's top atomic energy military factories to work together to build a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier with epoch-making significance!"
When he said this, his eyes sparkled and he was full of anticipation for this plan.
In today's world, the use of nuclear energy has always been one of the key directions of scientific and technological development in various countries.
Yan Country has achieved remarkable results in nuclear energy research and has successfully ranked among the world's top countries in related technical fields.
Lin Chenran’s proposal to use nuclear energy to drive aircraft carriers is not a fantasy.
Hearing this, even the usually calm and experienced Mr. Zhang was stunned: "What? Lin, did I hear it right? You actually said that we can use nuclear power on the third aircraft carrier?"
Currently, only the United States in the world possesses mature nuclear-powered aircraft carrier technology.
Even our big brother, the powerful Russian bear, has not yet owned its own nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.
At this time, Lin Chenran actually revealed to Mr. Zhang with confidence that he planned to use a nuclear power drive system on the third domestically-produced aircraft carrier.
This news was like a bombshell, which instantly left Mr. Zhang dumbfounded.
"Mr. Zhang, please relax a little!"
Lin Chenran smiled and said firmly: "It's just a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier."
Hearing this, Mr. Zhang was stunned at first, then he couldn't help but laugh and scolded: "You kid, you are really bragging!"
"Currently, the United States is the only country in the world that owns a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. They have mastered complete and mature nuclear-powered aircraft carrier technology!"
"Even our former big brother, the Russian bear, has not yet successfully developed a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. And you, on the other hand, are talking about building a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. You are so arrogant!"
However, facing Mr. Zhang's doubts and criticisms, Lin Chenran did not back down at all. Instead, he responded more confidently: "Mr. Zhang, if a person does not have a dream, what is the difference between him and a salted fish?"
"Our country has always been at the forefront of the world in nuclear energy research, and today's science and technology are advancing by leaps and bounds and changing with each passing day."
"I firmly believe that within five years, or even less, we will be able to successfully apply nuclear energy to aircraft carriers."
After listening to Lin Chenran's impassioned words, Zhang Lao showed a gratified smile on his face, but at the same time he shook his head and said with emotion: "I am afraid that my old bones will not be able to witness the day when the domestic nuclear-powered aircraft carrier comes out." "But right now, what I am most eagerly looking forward to in my heart is that the aircraft carrier independently developed by our country can be successfully launched as soon as possible!
Mr. Zhang did not think too far ahead. All he hoped for was that the domestically-made large aircraft carrier could be launched into service safely.
"It will definitely happen, Mr. Zhang, please wait patiently!"
"When all types of warships of the navy are fully equipped and perfect, we will be able to officially start the design and development of aircraft carriers."
Although the current military funds allocated to the navy are still distressingly small.
However, the 077 Mechanical Military Factory has set an excellent example for the Yan State military - they bravely go out into the world and vigorously promote their own advanced weapons and equipment.
Through this proactive approach, the Yan State military successfully won several considerable orders.
When sufficient funds were available, the Yan State military continuously injected these funds into the major third-line military factories, encouraging them to go all out in research and development.
In addition, with the continuous advancement of the domestic reform and opening-up policy, the national economy has developed rapidly.
At the same time, the military also implemented large-scale reductions in personnel.
Because of this, the originally extremely scarce military expenditure began to increase to a certain extent!
The situation today is no longer as difficult as it once was, requiring everyone to grit their teeth and tighten their belts to get by.
Mr. Zhang changed his tone and asked about the White Shark frigate and the Four Emperors cruiser.
This is another matter that he is more concerned about.
"Not long ago, Mr. Pan reported to me."
"The White Shark Frigate and Four Emperors Cruiser projects are all going smoothly."
"The White Shark frigate will begin construction in two weeks."
"The Four Emperors Cruisers will probably start construction in a month and a half."
Lin Chenran told another good news.
The White Shark frigate and the Four Emperors cruiser will be incorporated into the Yan Kingdom Navy in due course.
That would give the Yan Kingdom’s navy an epic boost in strength.
By then, the Yan State Navy will be able to defend its own sea borders.
"Really?"
“That’s really great news!”
“I didn’t expect the 704 Shipyard to be so fast!”
Upon hearing this, Mr. Zhang hesitated for a moment, and then a bright smile appeared on his face.
He knew very well that the addition of White Shark frigates and Four Emperors cruisers to the Yan Kingdom Navy would greatly enhance its strength and be able to intimidate countries in the surrounding waters.
Mr. Zhang asked Lin Chenran for details about the White Shark frigate and the Four Emperors cruiser.
Lin Chenran also shared all the "dry stuff" he knew.
Upon hearing this, Mr. Zhang was very satisfied with the speed of the 704 Shipyard.
In the previous frigate bidding, the Yan State Navy purchased a frigate of two to three thousand tons.
But that shipyard was still in the process of research and development, and they never expected that the 704 Shipyard would be so fast.
The White Shark frigates are ready to start construction.
The construction of the Four Emperor Cruisers also began a month and a half later.
This is truly a world of difference!
……
Before hanging up the phone, Mr. Zhang said to Lin Chenran earnestly: "Lin boy, come to one of our navy bases in the next few days."
This sudden instruction made Lin Chenran feel confused and totally confused.
He wondered to himself why Mr. Zhang suddenly made such a strange request?
Is there some unknown secret or important mission hidden there?
No matter how hard Lin Chenran racked his brains, he couldn't guess the reason.
Mr. Zhang seemed to have noticed Lin Chenran's doubts, but he did not intend to reveal more information. He just said a few simple words and hung up the phone in a hurry.
Faced with this situation, although Lin Chenran was full of curiosity, as a military worker, obeying orders was his duty.
Since his superiors have issued clear instructions, he naturally will not hesitate or refuse in the slightest.
So, Lin Chenran immediately asked his assistant Xiao Liang to notify Song Xiyun and ask the latter to come to his office.
Not long after, a hurried sound of footsteps came from afar, and Song Xiyun rushed into the office in a hurry. Because he ran too fast, he was breathing heavily and a layer of fine sweat beads appeared on his forehead.
"Chenran, why did you call me here so anxiously? What happened?"
Song Xiyun asked impatiently while stroking his chest with his hand to calm his breath.
"Mr. Song, please don't be anxious. Please take a seat here!"
Lin Chenran quickly stood up to greet him and personally pulled out a chair for Song Xiyun.
After Song Xiyun calmed down his breathing, Lin Chenran slowly said, "I just received a call from Mr. Zhang. He asked me to go to a naval base, but he didn't specify the specific reason."
Hearing this, Song Xiyun couldn't help but frown slightly, and he whispered to himself: "They didn't even give me a hint..."
After thinking for a moment, he looked up at Lin Chenran and asked softly, "Apart from this, is there nothing else?"
"No, Mr. Zhang only told us to go to that base, and didn't mention anything else."
Lin Chenran shook his head helplessly.
The two looked at each other and saw deep confusion in each other's eyes.
However, they knew in their hearts that since Mr. Zhang made such an arrangement, there must be a deeper meaning behind it.
Perhaps once we arrive at the naval base, all the mysteries will be revealed naturally.
"Mr. Song, I'd like to trouble you to help take care of all the matters in the factory."
"No problem, I will follow up on all matters big and small in the factory."
Before, when Lin Chenran went out on business trips, Song Xiyun took over all the matters in the factory.
……
Lin Chenran left the 077 Mechanical Military Factory with several personal guards and headed for a military base of Yan State.
Inside the base, he saw a man whom he respected very much.
Lin Chenran immediately stepped forward and greeted him enthusiastically: "Mr. Huang!!!"
(End of this chapter)
