Another reason is that the diplomatic environment of Germany in this plane is too good, although Germany and France have a feud, but there is no conflict now, Russian-German relations are in the honeymoon period, although the relationship between Bavaria and Russia is almost freezing. Germany's diplomatic style is still relatively low-key. And if Britain chooses to attack Germany, then it will have to suffer the consequences of further proximity between Russia and Germany, not to mention that Britain now has more important things to do, whether it is Boer in South Africa or Russia in the Far East, its priority is higher than that of Germany, which seems to be honest now.

"From a strategic point of view, this fleet has met our needs for several years, but there are still some problems in actual operation, whether it is a battleship or a 10,000-ton armored cruiser, the requirements for the port are too high, and the cost of performing tasks in peacetime is also a little high, so in order to reduce costs, the empire should add a group of light achievements similar to second-class cruisers as the main force of offshore cruisers."

"Their role, in addition to the control of overseas colonies, in the main fleet is to ensure that the fleet is protected from lightning strikes, if everything can be completed according to plan, then the size of our main fleet is enough, and now there is still the question of how to strengthen the auxiliary forces. These auxiliary forces include mine-striking and anti-mine-striking ships, as well as minesweepers, after all, we have to refer to the environment in which Germany finds itself, in the Baltic Sea and the North Sea, it is very suitable for the deployment of large minefields, in order to deal with the asymmetric tactics of the opponent, this is very important. ”

Prince Ruprecht added. The main fleet of the Navy is indeed the core of the current German naval construction, but the various auxiliary warships cannot be ignored either. Historically, the light cruisers of World War 1 were more suitable for colonial patrol missions, and at the same time served as a reliable anti-lightning strike and reconnaissance force for the fleet. The only pity is that the technology tree is not yet good, and the submarine that posed the greatest threat to Britain in World War I is not yet mature, otherwise, His Royal Highness would rather build one less capital ship. It is also necessary to make a vote for ocean-going submarines.

"The tonnage of a light cruiser is best about 4,000 tons, and the armament can be slightly weaker, but the endurance and speed must be excellent, and it needs a large endurance to perform patrol missions in the open sea. And when carrying out reconnaissance missions, speed is more important than armament. And on the light cruisers of the future, we can first experiment with steam turbines, mixed boilers with kerosene. This cutting-edge technology is a huge innovation for the power system of warships. ”

"In order to ensure the needs of both sides, the number of light cruisers is more appropriate at 4 to 6, of course, this plan can now be put on a lower position for the time being, after all, the reconnaissance mission can be carried out by the lightning strike ship, and the offshore patrol mission can be given to the Munich-class cruisers. In addition, now China's environment is relatively good, and ocean-going navigation is mainly based on training, and the cruising pressure is not very large. After a moment's hesitation, Prince Ruprecht raised the question of the light cruiser.

"If we sell more Munich-class armored cruisers. And wouldn't it be better to replace it with a new armored cruiser? Taking advantage of the prince's speech, Empress Wilhelm suddenly interjected.

"But who wants the Munich-class armored cruisers, which are already somewhat obsolete and relatively obsolete, except for the Qing Dynasty because of the price factor?" Frederick III asked.

"Relatively outdated, this is just for our new armored cruisers. In the world, the cost performance of this warship is still very high, and it is enough for regional naval powers. For example, Chile and Argentina, the pressure on 10,000-ton armored cruisers is already very huge, and a battleship of about 7,500 tons is just right! Argentina and Chile are willing to continue ordering warships, and we can take the opportunity to dispose of warships that are already slightly obsolete. They save money, and we can save money and personnel. ”

"Of course, the time we hand over the ship will be when the new ship will be commissioned. This set of procedures is exactly the same as our direct trade with the Qing State. By doing so, we can keep our fleet at a high level. Admiral Hoffman, who had not spoken, said.

"This option could be considered. The tonnage saved by the Munich-class armored cruisers could be used to replace larger 10,000-ton warships, and I think this plan can be carried out if Chile and Argentina want to. Crown Prince William made a statement.

"And if this plan is successful, then I would like to ask, will the number of our Mainz-class armored ships be a little too much? As His Royal Highness always does, it seems that you prefer a way to upgrade your armament in a way called small steps. Crown Prince William said meaningfully.

"There are similar thoughts. However, this plan was originally relatively late, because it may be difficult for the shipbuilding industry of the empire to meet the needs of this plan. But since you're willing to listen, I'll be able to say a little bit about it. Ruprecht was stunned for a moment, and then couldn't help but smile bitterly, this William is still interested in the navy!

"At present, the maximum tonnage of battleships of various countries is only 15,000 tons. 4 main guns and a certain number of 2-level guns constituted the main firepower of such a battleship. The speed is about 18 knots, and the armor thickness is about 10 inches. This will be the mainstream of the development of the world's navies for a certain period of time. ”

"However, in the future, warships with unified caliber full heavy guns will become the mainstream of the development of the Navy's capital ships. Of course, in order to achieve this cross-generational evolution, we must make breakthroughs in steam turbines, long-range fire control, and armor-piercing shells. If the armor-piercing shells of large-caliber artillery cannot effectively deal with armor, and if they cannot fire at a longer distance, then medium and short-range high-explosive shells are more cost-effective than heavy artillery for firing a large number of second-stage guns. ”

"We can prepare, we can study some of the subsystems, and the tonnage of the battleship can be further enlarged, but now we are still far from this brand new warship, and of course, if we can start an experimental warship around 1900, if the conditions allow." Ruprecht elaborated on the concept of dreadnoughts in general terms.

"You can discuss these technical issues with William and the people at the Admiralty, so you don't need to talk to me." After all, Frederick III did not know much about the navy, and his interest was average, far inferior to Wilhelm II, who taught himself how to overhead warships, and he ended this problem in a few simple sentences.

And just after the German top brass finalized the battle plan and began to put this plan into action at the end of 1896, a storm that had been brewing in the Far East for more than two years had gradually formed, and no one would have imagined that just two years after the end of the First Sino-Japanese War, the shadow of war would once again envelop the whole of East Asia! I didn't expect this storm to eventually sweep half the world!

Thanks to the 1st Guards Tank Brigade and bighill1982 for their tips~~~, as well as the monthly ticket support of denglaian~~~. Ask for subscriptions, ask for tips ~~~~~. (To be continued.) )