When the navy and air force were established in the 50s, the vast majority of the cadres of the two branches of the armed forces, from commanders to grassroots cadres, were from the past of the army. On one occasion, the first commander of the navy went to inspect an island and rented fishermen's fishing boats. During the conversation, the fishermen learned that it was the commander of the navy, and they laughed and said, "No, the commander of the navy still needs to rent my boat."

It is both sad and inspiring.

The main thing to say here is that many high-ranking cadres have a Continental Army plot. Fang Hecheng, who came over during the war years, is naturally like this. For many years, regardless of whether they want to admit it or not, the army has been the only branch of the armed forces in key construction. The Air Force has received some attention since the period of resisting US aggression and aiding Korea, while the Navy is a student sitting in the corner. Under the strategy of coastal defense, speedboats and coastal defense forces became the focus of construction, so much so that until the end of the 20th century, there were few warships in the navy with more than 3,000 tons.

Specific to Fang Hecheng, relatively speaking, the Tomcat and the Hawk, the two most advanced fighters in the US military, do not have an Abrams main battle tank that can better touch his heart.

The establishment of a joint venture between Red Star Defense and Chrysler Defense is bound to obtain the consent of the two major shareholders. Li Lu obtained the consent of the revitalization company, so even if the new Guangming Factory objected, it would have been able to pass. In fact, if Zhenxing Company agrees, Xinguang Factory is unlikely to object.

After Li Lu made a detailed report, Fang Hecheng sighed very much and said, "Xiao Li, the role you play alone is comparable to that of a Ministry of Foreign Trade." To tell you the truth, we mean it this way, and so do the Americans. On the one hand, it was talked about slowly, with a lot of concerns, and on the other hand, because this tank was very expensive. Our foreign exchange is very precious, and good steel should be used on the blade. ”

"Chief, this is true, and because of this, building a joint venture factory is the most appropriate choice at present." "I have studied the market for the Abrams tank, and the Americans want more NATO countries to use this tank," Li Lu said. But the high price has kept many countries out. The construction of a joint venture factory here will significantly reduce the cost of Abrams tanks. For us, on the one hand, we can accumulate advanced tank production technology and experience, and on the other hand, we can earn foreign exchange that is in short supply. It is of great help to the development of our third-generation main battle tank. ”

Fang Hecheng nodded slightly and said, "Yes, I personally hope that this matter can be done." However, I still have to remind you that the use of foreign currency on the account of Red Star Defense is probably not so easy. How do you solve the problem of money? ”

After thinking about it for a while, Li Lu shook his head honestly, "I haven't thought about it yet." ”

Fang Hecheng was stunned for a moment, then relieved, and said with a smile, "You are very honest." ”

"The stakes are so high, at least 90 percent sure, I don't dare to say anything." Li Lu said, "In the joint venture factory, it only makes sense for us to have at least half of the equity." In order to achieve such a goal, it is not enough to invest in other aspects, and there must be foreign exchange investment. According to preliminary estimates, at least $50 million will be required for upfront investment. ”

Fang Hecheng took a slight breath, shook his head helplessly, and said, "This is difficult. ”

The two pondered, each smoking a cigarette.

After a long while, Fang Hecheng thought about it, pondered for a while, and said, "Don't you have foreign exchange in your hand?" The Red Star Plant can also earn foreign exchange for the oil sold to Japan. ”

Li Lu said, "But we can't let the Red Star Factory replace it with foreign exchange and the Red Star Defense Company." ”

Fang Hecheng smiled and waved his hand, "Of course not." ”

Using Huaxia currency to exchange for foreign exchange of the Red Star Factory is too bullying, and the state will not do this. This itself has been strictly restricted in the use of foreign exchange in the Red Star Factory, and even depriving this right is undoubtedly killing the chicken and taking the eggs, so Fang Hecheng knows very well that he can't do this.

If the reform is regarded as a protracted war, then the Red Star Factory is the vanguard unit in the front of the military-industrial battlefield, not only can not draw salaries from the bottom of the kettle, but also provide support in the rear.

Therefore, Fang Hecheng did not mean that.

Li Lu couldn't guess what Fang Hecheng was referring to for a while, and waited for the following.

Fang He said, "Hongxing Factory took over the shares of Xinguang Factory, doesn't this solve the problem of money?" ”

No wonder Li Lu couldn't think of this, how could he think of taking over the 45% stake of the New Guangming Factory, in his opinion, it was impossible.

He subconsciously said, "That's impossible, it's impossible for New Guangming Factory to be willing to sell shares." The Red Star Defense Company earns hundreds of millions of dollars in foreign exchange a year, and several provinces combined are not as good as a Red Star Defense, and they can't be willing. Besides, take 10,000 steps back and say, the new Guangming Factory is willing, and the competent authorities in the province will not agree. ”

Fang Hecheng waved his hand and smiled, but his tone was unquestionable, "I can't tolerate them disagreeing." The new Guangming Factory was handed over by the troops, and our opinion, that still has some effect. Moreover, the Xinguang Factory is already a civilian factory, and since this is the case, they should no longer participate in military manufacturing. As for earning foreign exchange, Xinguang Factory can be used as a supplier of Red Star Defense Company. ”

Li Lu was stunned, then smiled bitterly and said, "Chief, of course I am willing to take over the shares of the New Guangming Factory, but this probably requires the troops to spend a lot of effort to persuade them to sell." ”

"I'll handle this matter, and I'll talk to their supervisors." Fang He said, "The question now is, I have solved this problem, can you solve the problem of foreign exchange investment." ”

Li Lu said, "I promise it's okay." The second tranche of crude oil, which is about 100,000 tons, will be delivered here in three months with Japan's Mitsui Corp. in the dry port, and is worth about $25 million. So it's totally fine. ”

No matter how fast it is, it will take at least three months to implement it after the negotiation is completed, so there is no problem on Li Lu's side.

"Xiao Li, this matter is decided, you must go all out to finalize this project. If you can win the opportunity for the army to have comprehensive and in-depth contact with the world's advanced third-generation main battle tanks, you will be a meritorious hero of the army and a person of meritorious service to the country and the nation. Fang Hecheng said to Li Lu seriously.

Li Lu's heart was awe-inspiring, and he said, "Chief, let me say something from my heart. I was first a cadre in a state-owned factory, and then an investor in a private company. Personally, I have a clear sense of priorities and have always put the interests of the country and the nation first. As long as the troops need it, I will do my best without the slightest hesitation. At the same time, I also hope that the army can provide me with other support, so that I can free up my hands to deal with those foreigners. ”

"I can guarantee you this." Fang He made a decisive statement.

After talking about some other things, Fang Hecheng left the Red Star Factory in a car after lunch, and went straight to inspect the garrison in the dry port.

Forty-five percent of the shares of the Red Star Defense Company are in the hands of the New Guangming Factory, and the Zhenxing Company came forward to negotiate and persuade them to sell the 45 percent of the shares to the Red Star Factory, plus 20 percent in Li Lu's hands, then Li Lu is the largest shareholder of the Red Star Defense and has absolute control.

Li Lu was reluctant to take over the shares of Zhenxing Company because he hoped to leave a channel for the troops to provide a steady stream of foreign exchange to support the renewal of the troops' equipment. As for the new bright factory, he will not be polite.

At present, the Red Star Factory has obtained the relevant licenses and is fully qualified to accept shares in the military industry, so Li Lu has nothing to worry about.

The next day, Li Lu took Zhang Weiwei, Wan Shan and Jiang Hao, and drove the diesel version of the LC80 with the number plate 101 of the reserve force, and went straight to Guizhou.