Don't talk about martial arts, I'm a war contractor

Chapter 508: Atago Heavy Cruise, Team Fight Begins

"Keep an eye on this direction. We won't go to the Philippines, but if Abu Sayyaf comes to us on their own initiative, we will make sure they never come back."

"Yes, boss!"

After finishing the morning meeting, Xia Yu went back to his room to catch up on his sleep.

Because the system could not reach 70% completeness, the system's spare working hours in the next few days were used to print 155mm grenades.

However, this time before returning home could not be wasted. He left the fragments of the Musashi on the seabed in the non-route area of ​​the Natuna Sea. After freeing up the berth, he went to the waters of Palawan Island again.

The heavy cruiser Atago was sunk there by a magnesium submarine. Because sea rats stole the low-background radiation steel of the Kaohsiung, the popularity of this first ship of the Kaohsiung class became high.

Many ocean exploration companies gathered in the Strait of Malacca to launch remote-controlled submersibles to detect the damage to the warship wreckage.

Xia Yu had no choice but to give up the Kaohsiung and choose to salvage the more difficult No. 2 ship, Atago.

The Nautilus dived, and the heavy cruiser, which was several sizes smaller than the battleship, only took him one extra night shift to complete the task.

[Project: Atago (heavy cruiser)]

[Completeness: 82.5% (can be repaired)]

It was not hit by torpedo bombers, but capsized and sank in just 4 minutes after being hit by four torpedoes from a submarine, so the integrity of the wreckage of the Atago is still very high.

The Kaohsiung was sunk after being captured by the Ying people. It was seriously damaged during the capture process and many of its subsystems were dismantled. Xia Yu estimated that it was only 70%+ complete.

It seems that the result of this target change is quite good, and the man-hours required for maintenance can be reduced.

"Get ready!"

Xia Yu directly chose to prepare.

[Estimated remaining maintenance hours: 134.7]

It will take less than six days, but if we add the replacement printing of 5000 tons (based on 50% displacement) of wreckage, it can be done within two weeks.

"Boss, these sea rats are really ruthless. The entire Yuguro was stolen."

It had not been two days since I returned to the Jihuohao when something happened in Malacca, Zhao Yanshou said while scrolling through his phone.

It was a report from the media in Xing County, saying that the wreckage of the Japanese Navy's heavy cruiser Haguro, which sank during World War II, was illegally salvaged and disappeared just like the Prince of Wales.

After reading the entire report, Xia Yu thought about it carefully and it was true. There are so many ocean exploration companies gathered in Malacca. With such good conditions, it is inevitable that they would organize a "holy land tour"!

But when I took a look at the Haguro, I found nothing. It will definitely be in the news.

"Scrap steel costs more than $300 per ton, and low-background radiation steel costs tens of thousands of dollars per ton. And it sank so shallowly, so the salvage cost can be kept to a minimum. I would choose them too."

Xia Yu did the math for Lao Zhao. If one wanted to obtain a large amount of this radiation-free steel, the only way to get it was from the wreckage of sunken ships built before the end of World War II. So even if the price was not as high as silver, it was much higher than copper.

From this perspective, it would be profitable to start a shipwreck salvage company relying on the Vulcan team?

Because the system can print low-background radiation steel in batches, if a related company is not established, it will be difficult for him to explain the source of the product.

However, this material is mainly used in scientific research, and the scale of the entire industry is not large. If Xia Yu continues to do this, the annual turnover will be at most 500 to 600 million US dollars.

"Yes, it's not cost-effective to salvage those that have sunk deep. Only those in shallow water can go out to work."

Old Zhao also expressed his agreement.

It was just him playing around and he didn’t realize that his boss was the fake rat in the news and the real sea weasel.

Xia Yu did not hold back when scolding the sea rats. After all, they were the ones who really destroyed the wreckage of the warships, while he was giving new life to these cultural relics that represented a period of history.

Yes, we collect them purely for collection and do not sell them for money.

Later, a shipwreck salvage company was founded, and priority was given to salvaging sunken merchant ships. Only the Japanese warships were considered. After all, the debts they owed had not been repaid yet, so they used the wreckage of the warships to pay off the debt first!

"By the way, how's the situation at sea lately?"

Xia Yu said that the warships must be salvaged and the pirates must be eliminated.

"The Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia Information Sharing Center confirmed that a large Abu Sayyaf ship disguised as a fishing boat left the Philippines and headed towards the Natuna Sea. It looks like they are serious about this."

The main force will only be officially dispatched after the vanguard troops have laid the groundwork.

"Fishing boats. Pirates really like fishing boats. They wander aimlessly and don't follow fixed routes. As long as they don't run into the coast guard who comes on board to inspect, there is no danger at all."

After Xia Yu finished speaking, he stood up and walked to the porthole. In his field of vision, there were two fishing boats working, and the trawl nets in the sea were catching fish and shrimps in the sea.

A few days ago, when he was commuting in a helicopter, he even encountered a fishing boat that was frying fish.

When it comes to fishing in Xiayu, at most they throw a few grenades into the lake or river, and catch a few kilograms of fish for themselves to eat. The homemade bombs thrown by these fishermen are loaded with more explosives than anti-tank mines. If they throw one into a school of fish, they can directly harvest hundreds of kilograms.

The question is, are there divers taking underwater photos among the fish?

Just this month, a fishing boat in Malay dropped a "torpedo" and two Chinese tourists who came to Southeast Asia for diving floated up.

You can dodge bullets in water, but if you encounter underwater explosions, it's game over.

The boatman on the fishing boat was arrested by the Malay police, but the diver lost his life forever.

So when encountering this kind of fish-scare bombing, Xia Yu would aim at the sea right in front of these fishing boats and fire a burst of machine gun fire directly, so that these guys who would only be sentenced to two years in prison even if caught would learn their lesson.

He couldn't actually attack the fishermen, but he could strike down pirate gangs disguised as fishermen.

But how can they find their target among the vast number of fishing boats?

"Closing the net~~"

Under the command of the kidnapped captain, a group of pirates who changed from rainforest trousers to fisherman shorts were fishing.

Some of them were working diligently, while others were observing the merchant ships coming and going on the waterway and collecting various intelligence.

There are an extraordinary number of merchant ships passing through this waterway connecting Europe and Asia. They are like mice falling into a rice jar, but before they can have a full meal, they must make all preparations.

After all, this is a foreign country. If something goes wrong, we will be completely screwed.

And because it is too far away from the Philippines, they cannot carry out the business of transporting oil by tanker for secondary sale. They can only use the old classic trick of kidnapping hostages to extort ransom.

The success rate of doing so was very high in the past few years, but later on, the number of targets that could be kidnapped became fewer and fewer. The Philippine officials also refused to pay the ransom, hoping to weaken the organization by suppressing their financial resources.

Abu Sayyaf therefore also planned to find another way to make a living in Natuna.

There is no other way. Merchant ships have to pass through the Strait of Malacca, and luxury yachts also have to take this route.

Kidnapping merchant ship crew members and blackmailing the ship owners has a chance of failure, but blackmailing wealthy people who can afford yachts is basically a sure win.

"The yacht, their target is most likely the yacht." At the same time on the Focusing Fire, Xia Yu had a flash of inspiration and expressed his inference.

The organization has attacked luxury yachts passing by the coast of the Philippines many times. The German hostage Kant, who was beheaded by them, was captured from his yacht.

But rich people are not stupid. When they play in the waters of Southeast Asia, they will stay away from the Philippines. This has also caused Abu Sayyaf to lose business at home and have to travel far away.

Of course, such a terrible incident also prompted Xi County to be determined to crack down on piracy.

The timing of Jihuo Defense's promotion of its maritime business was very precise, so the two companies hit it off right away.

"So when they have luxury yachts, they prioritize them, and merchant ships are just a backup option?"

Old Zhao followed Xia Yu's line of thought and analyzed.

"That's right. Most yachts have low freeboards and are equipped with waterfront decks as standard, making it very easy to board. This is the best solution for them. Establishing a temporary base on the islands in the Natuna Sea or even in Malay will make it easier for them to carry out kidnapping and extortion."

Xia Yu continued to add.

It seems that he was indeed a detective in his previous life, or in other words, how should the boss of a PMC company who can't solve cases fight pirates?
There are 4 Tenacity-class ships in Xing County, but they can't wipe out many pirate gangs in a year. Can all the pirate gangs be driven away by focusing firepower on just one ship?

It's impossible. We must use wisdom to find these pirates from the vast ocean. It will be too late to rush there after something happens.

"In that case, Boss, do we need to monitor all the yachts along the coast of Marley?"

Old Zhao asked Xia Yu.

It’s much easier now that we have a direction, unlike before when we could only patrol.

"Surveillance is one thing, but more importantly, we must take the initiative. I will borrow a luxury yacht to lure them out of the cave."

Passive waiting is not Xia Yu's style, they must take the initiative on the battlefield.

He just didn't have a yacht of his own, so he had to borrow one from a friend.

As for which friend it was, Xia Yu's mind immediately emerged with Ha Mengxin's face covered with blue stubble.

There is no other reason. The other party's yacht is a warship and its self-defense capability is beyond doubt.

Secondly, Lao Ha’s love for pirates is so deep that he absolutely cannot resist the opportunity to play the pig and eat the tiger.

Xia Yu immediately walked out of the cockpit, went to the flight deck and called the other party.

"Your Highness, I haven't contacted you for a long time. How have you been recently?"

After the call was connected, Xia Yu greeted him.

"It's OK, but a little boring. Have you delivered the F-14 you promised me? I can't wait to show off my skills."

Bored Old Ha came up and asked about the tomcat.

Xia Yu had promised him that he would take him to fly this year to shoot down the evil Tu-28 bomber escorted by the MiG-95 and carrying a nuclear bomb.

However, the delivery of F-14D to the Chinese was delayed, and my wife was pregnant with our second child, so most of the business had to be postponed, including the trial operation of Yunnuo Ha'an.

"…Your Highness, the simulated air combat must be postponed, but I have an actual combat opportunity here. Do you want to seize it?"

After explaining his difficulties, Xia Yu changed the subject and seduced the other party.

"Actual combat? What I like most is actual combat. If you tell me in detail, I will definitely help you."

Old Ha, who had been feeling listless in the air-conditioned room, suddenly became energetic.

He was not willing to go to royal events, and he was not willing to buy tickets or watch team games. Only fighting could make him clearly feel that he was still alive.

"Jihuo Defense Asia is fighting pirates in the waters of Southeast Asia. Not to mention the small fish and shrimps that were defeated before, do you know Abu Sayyaf? They have focused on piracy business. Recently, they have escaped from the Philippines and are preparing to attack yachts and kidnap wealthy businessmen in the Natuna Sea and the coast of Malay."

Xia Yu introduced the situation on his side to Ha Xianxin, and now it depended on whether the other party was brave enough.

"So you're going to let me play this wealthy businessman?"

Lao Ha's breathing became rapid.

"Yeah, so buddy are you up for it?"

"Of course I would. I'll leave tonight and arrive in three days. Is it in time?"

Ha Xianxin didn't hesitate at all, she was just worried that she would not be able to catch up.

The sea route from Abu Dhabi to Xingxian is more than 2000 nautical miles. Even if his Yas sails at a speed of more than 30 knots day and night, it will take three days to get there.

"It's still in time. Abu Sayyaf is more patient than I thought. They choose their targets very carefully. It will take at least a week before they choose a target to kidnap."

Xia Yu hurriedly comforted Lao Ha.

Small pirates need to increase their income by committing crimes continuously, but for large organizations like Abu Sayyaf, one operation is enough to support them for several months or half a year, so there is no need to rush.

"I see. I'll be there in four days, and we can discuss the rest when we meet."

After saying that, Lao Ha hung up the phone, and then made several more calls to notify the dock to resupply the Yas with fuel, food, fresh water, and most importantly, ammunition.

Taking off his turban and robe, he changed into camouflage clothes, then a bulletproof vest and a helmet.

"Wow~Wow~~"

The roar of propellers came from outside the window. It was the helicopter that came to pick him up.

It was hard for Xia Yu to imagine how fast Lao Ha's actions were, but the long-lost Yas still arrived in Xingxian on the third day, and came to the Natuna Sea on the fourth day, completing a maritime reunion with the Jihuo.

"This dock landing ship of your company looks really good. Not to mention its strong firepower, the dock can also carry both tanks and landing craft. It's really comprehensive."

The dusty old Ha, under the guidance of Xia Yu, took the boat around the whole circle and said with some envy in his tone.

He is knowledgeable. The dock landing ship is multifunctional and not as sensitive as an amphibious assault ship. It is highly suitable for fighting pirates.

If it were him, he might get tired of the Yas in two years and buy a smaller tank landing ship and modify it himself!

According to the navy's system, it must be amphibious > dock > tank landing ship, but we are not individual players, so it will be more fun to modify it on a smaller platform.

If a certain level of transport capacity is not required, a tank landing ship for concentrated fire defense would also be a good choice. However, the branch office is located in Singapore, so there is no need to use the existing Tough-class and downgrade the consumption to use a tank landing ship.

"Well, fighting piracy is just one of the businesses that the branch undertakes. We can also undertake disaster relief, special transportation, evacuation of overseas Chinese during wars, and armed intervention orders outsourced by international organizations such as the United Nations and the Philippine Union."

Xia Yu explained to Lao Ha.

If it was just for fighting pirates, the Fire Focus's performance would be a bit excessive, but they also had other businesses.

(End of this chapter)