Another reason is that Germany's diplomatic environment in this plane is too good. Although Germany and France have a feud, there is no conflict now. Russia-German relations are in honeymoon period, and although Bavaria and Russia are almost freezing. Germany's diplomatic style is still relatively low-key. If Britain chooses to attack Germany, it will have to bear the consequences of Russia and Germany's further approach. What's more, Britain has more important things to do now. Whether it is Boer in South Africa or Russia in the Far East, its priority is higher than Germany, which seems very honest.

"This fleet has met our needs for several years from a strategic perspective, but there are still some problems in actual operation. Whether it is a battleship or a 10,000-ton armored cruiser, the requirements for ports are too high, and the cost is also a bit high when performing tasks. Therefore, in order to reduce costs, the Empire should add a batch of light battle records similar to second-class cruisers to serve as the main force of offshore cruisers."

"In addition to controlling overseas colonies, their role is to ensure that the fleet is protected from attacks by lightning strike ships in the main fleet. If everything can be completed as planned, then our main fleet is enough. There is still a question about how to strengthen the auxiliary forces. These auxiliary forces include lightning strike ships and counter-lightning strike ships, as well as minesweepers. After all, we need to refer to the environment in which Germany is located. In the Baltic Sea and the North Sea, it is very suitable for deploying large minefields. In order to deal with the opponent's asymmetric tactics, this is very important."

Prince Ruprecht added that the main naval fleet is indeed the core of the German naval construction today, but various auxiliary warships cannot be ignored. In history, light cruisers in World War 1 are more suitable for colonial patrol missions, and will also serve as a reliable anti-lightning strike and reconnaissance force for the fleet. The only pity is that the technology tree is not yet well-lit up, and the submarine that poses the greatest threat to Britain in World War I is not yet mature. Otherwise, His Royal Highness would rather build one less battleship than create a long-distance submarine.

"The tonnage of a light cruiser should be about 4,000 tons. The equipment can be slightly weaker, but the endurance and speed must be excellent. It requires a greater endurance when performing patrol missions on the offshore. Speed ​​is more important than equipment when performing reconnaissance missions. Moreover, on future light cruisers, we can first test the steam turbine and kerosene mixed boiler. This cutting-edge technology is a huge innovation in the power system of the battleship."

"In order to ensure the needs of both aspects, the number of light cruisers is more appropriate. Of course, this plan can be placed in a relatively backward position for now. After all, the reconnaissance mission can be performed by lightning strike ships, and the offshore cruise mission can be handed over to Munich-class cruisers. In addition, the environment in our country is relatively good, and ocean navigation is mainly based on training, and the cruise pressure is not very large." After hesitating for a moment, Prince Ruprecht still mentioned the problem of light cruisers.

"Wouldn't it be better if we sold more Munich-class armored cruisers and replaced them with new armored cruisers?" Taking advantage of the gap between the prince's speech, King William suddenly interrupted.

"But besides the Qing Dynasty was willing to choose old warships due to price factors, who would have wanted to have a somewhat old and relatively outdated Munich-class armored cruiser?" asked Frederick III.

"Relatively outdated, this is just a new armored cruiser for ours. In the world, this warship has a high cost-effectiveness, which is enough for regional naval powers. For example, Chile and Argentina, the ten-ton armored cruiser is under great pressure for them, and about 7,500 tons of warships are just right! Argentina and Chile have the intention to continue ordering warships, and we can take the opportunity to deal with the already slightly outdated warships. They save money, and we can save money and money and personnel."

"Of course, the time we hand over the warships will be when new warships are in service. This set of procedures is exactly the same as our direct trade with the Qing Dynasty. In this way, we can keep our fleet at a higher level at all times." General Hoffman, who had not spoken, said.

"This method can be considered. The tonnage saved by Munich-class armored cruisers can be used to replace larger 10,000-ton warships. If Chile and Argentina are willing, I think this plan can be implemented." Prince William made a statement.

"If this plan is successful, then I would like to ask, will our Mainz-class armored ships be a little too many? According to His Royal Highness the Prince's usual practice, you seem to prefer a method called small step and fast running to improve your military." Prince William said meaningfully.

"I have similar ideas, but this plan was originally a bit late, because the empire's shipbuilding industry may find it difficult to meet the needs of this plan. But since you are willing to listen, I can also say it." Ruprecht was stunned at first, and then couldn't help but smile bitterly. William was still concerned about the navy!

"At present, the maximum tonnage of battleships in various countries is only 15,000 tons. Four main guns and a certain number of level 2 main guns constitute the main firepower of such battleships, a speed of about 18 knots and an armor thickness of about 10 inches. This will be the mainstream of the development of the world's navy within a certain period of time."

"However, in the future, having a unified caliber fully heavy artillery warship will become the mainstream of the development of the naval main battleship. Of course, while achieving this cross-age evolution, we must make breakthroughs in steam turbines, long-range fire control and armor-piercing bombs to achieve this. If the armor-piercing bombs of large-caliber artillery cannot effectively deal with armor, if they cannot fire at a longer distance, then the cost-effectiveness of medium and short-range high-explosive bombs to fire a large number of second-class artillery fire is higher than that of heavy artillery."

"We can prepare and conduct research on some subsystems. The tonnage of warships can be further amplified, but now it is still far away from this brand new warship. Of course, if conditions permit, we can start construction of an experimental warship." Ruprecht explained the concept of the dreadnought in a general way.

"You can discuss these technical issues with William and the people from the Admiralty. No need to talk to me." Frederick III did not understand the navy very well and was of average interest. He was far less likely to be as good as William II, who taught himself to overhead the warship. He concluded this issue in a few simple words.

Just after the German senior management finalized the combat plan and began to take action at the end of 1896, a storm that had been brewing in the Far East for more than two years had gradually formed. No one would have thought that after just two years of the Sino-Japanese War of 1894, the shadow of the war would once again cover the entire East Asia! He did not expect that this storm would eventually sweep most of the earth!
Chapter completed!