I built an armada.

Chapter 985 A Huge Profit, Navy Funding Even More Abundant
Su Dingping explained complex theories, engineering practices, and forward-looking ideas in a simple and easy-to-understand way.

Mr. Qian listened attentively, occasionally interjecting with questions or offering his own insights.

The thoughts of these two top geniuses collided fiercely at this moment, yet blended perfectly.

Professor Zhang listened attentively. Although he couldn't fully understand some of the profound theories, the insightful way of thinking and unique perspective on problem-solving still made him feel greatly benefited, as if a new window had been opened for him.

This in-depth technical exchange lasted for nearly two hours.

At the end, Mr. Qian's eyes gleamed with excitement. He patted Su Dingping's shoulder forcefully: "Great! Truly, new talents emerge in every generation. Your words have greatly broadened my thinking."

"You've finally pierced the last veil of mystery surrounding my 'Lin Sen Ballistic Conjecture'!"

"I have some new ideas that I need to organize immediately!"

Su Dingping also felt he had gained a lot; Qian's profound theoretical foundation and grasp of macro-technical directions gave him a lot of inspiration.

"It is because of the solid foundation laid by you, Professor Qian, that I have the opportunity to conduct some practical work."

It was already dark outside the window, and it was past eight o'clock in the evening.

Old Qian was in high spirits and, holding Su Dingping's hand, said, "Dingping, don't leave tonight, stay at the base. Have a couple of drinks with this old man, and we'll chat as we drink!"

Upon hearing this, the base commander standing nearby immediately looked troubled. Out of concern for safety and discipline, he instinctively wanted to dissuade him: "Old Qian, this... is base regulation, and besides, your health..."

Old Qian glared, his stubbornness bordering on childlike: "Rules are rules! One cup! Just one cup, okay? I have important things to discuss with Dingping, involving our grand strategy for the future! Go and prepare some snacks to go with the drinks!"

Looking at Qian Lao's resolute expression, the base commander glanced at Su Dingping and sighed helplessly.

In the end, he compromised and said, "Just one cup then, it's a promise, just one cup, Mr. Qian!"

While waiting for the simple food and drinks, Qian Lao's emotions calmed down a bit. He lowered his voice and said to Su Dingping, "Dingping, Commander Xue informed me about the 'satellite chain' project that you and the higher-ups are pushing."

Su Dingping's expression hardened as he listened intently.

"The progress is going relatively smoothly so far."

Professor Qian continued, "The new rocket used for the launch is undergoing final testing and preparation, and the Ministry of Aerospace is also working hard to manufacture the satellite. The plan is to achieve a 'one rocket, three satellites' launch in the second half of the year."

"By the end of this year, we expect to have 36 BeiDou navigation satellites in orbit, initially forming regional navigation capabilities."

He then shifted his tone, becoming more serious: "However, we are still some distance from the third step of our original three-step strategy—a strategy to support the modernization of the three armed forces and achieve global precision strikes and all-domain situational awareness—"

"The gap between those 3600 satellites covering the globe and with different functions is still enormous."

However, Qian's eyes lit up again: "However, the good news is that with the return of a large number of senior talents from this naval voyage, not only the navy, but also aerospace, aviation, electronics, materials and other fields will usher in a strong wave of replenishment and development."

"We anticipate that in November of this year, taking advantage of the launch of the Shenzhou manned spacecraft, we will launch a batch of new experimental satellites into space. Furthermore..."

He lowered his voice, his tone tinged with mystery and excitement, "The higher-ups are already working on lunar-related plans! This includes not only lunar exploration, but also manned lunar landings, and even the construction of outposts and lunar bases in the long term!"

"It seems that the dreams of our generation really have a chance to be realized in your hands!"

Qian Xuesen's description painted a magnificent blueprint for Su Dingping, depicting a vast and boundless future.

He knew that those 3600 satellites and the lunar base were not only technological breakthroughs, but also a crucial step for Longxia to become truly powerful and expand its influence beyond Earth.

In this secluded mountain base, Qian Xuesen and Su Dingping, enjoying simple dishes and limited drinks, discussed cutting-edge technologies and space strategies that would determine the future of the nation.

At this moment, thousands of miles away in the capital of Longxia, a secret dock of the Northern Fleet of the Longxia Navy, which is not open to the public, is bustling with activity.

Wang Dezheng, full of energy, led the still-enthusiastic representatives from various countries to a special berth.

The ship moored here is not the aircraft carrier that just sold for a record price, but another important cornerstone for the Longxia Navy's journey into the deep blue sea—the Navy's first Type 052C guided-missile destroyer.

Although this ship is not the latest model, it is the first modern destroyer independently developed by Longxia with regional air defense capabilities, symbolizing a milestone in the development of Longxia's naval equipment.

It has extremely high scientific research reference value and symbolic significance for external display. It is usually only used for research by specific scientific research institutions and, as is the case today, for display to a very small number of heavyweight potential buyers.

"Gentlemen, please look!"

"This is the Type 052C guided-missile destroyer independently built by the Longxia Navy! It is an important testament to the rise of our naval power and a demonstration of our sincerity in foreign military trade cooperation!"

Wang De's voice was filled with pride as he pointed to the sleek, long, and imposing silver warship and introduced it to Lang Lang.

The delegates' attention was immediately drawn to the beautifully designed warship. Compared to the imposing size of an aircraft carrier, the destroyer appeared more agile and dangerous.

They knew that the strength of the Longxia Navy did not rely solely on one or two aircraft carriers; it was these high-performance destroyers and frigates that formed its solid maritime Great Wall. New ambitions and calculations quietly arose in the minds of these representatives.

The tranquil contemplation in the deep mountains and the bustling display in the capital city together constitute a grand symphony of technology and strength intertwined on Longxia's road to rise.

Wang De knew perfectly well that although the representatives from all over the world were impressed by the majestic appearance of the Fukuno aircraft carrier, the ultimate goal of most of them was not that unattainable steel behemoth.

Their gaze, more practically, fell upon the sleek and sharp-looking Type 052C guided-missile destroyer moored nearby. For many medium-sized countries and even regional powers, an aircraft carrier is a luxurious symbol of national strength.

Destroyers like the Type 052C, with their balanced and powerful performance, are the truly cost-effective choice for rapidly enhancing naval combat capabilities and gaining a voice in regional affairs.

"If we can't afford an aircraft carrier, we can grit our teeth, tighten our belts, and surely we can buy one or two of these destroyers?"

This is the common sentiment of representatives from almost all small and medium-sized countries.

"Having two ships, forming a pincer movement, carries significantly more weight in our waters! Even just one ship can alter the balance of power in the region!"

Wang De wore a knowing smile.

He clearly saw that these representatives, ostensibly there to purchase warships, were actually unconsciously binding their nation's naval fate to the Longxia tribe. The development, production, maintenance, upgrades, and even the most crucial technical analysis and spare parts supply of the Type 052C guided-missile destroyer—from its core phased-array radar and vertical launch system to its complex combat management center and propulsion system—were entirely controlled by the Longxia.

The strategy adopted by Longxia Tribe of "selling at a high price but providing free basic maintenance and initial training" is more like a clever "bait".

Once a country's navy equips itself with the Type 052C destroyer, its daily maintenance, personnel training, and tactical systems will become deeply dependent on Longxia, forming an inseparable relationship of dependence.

Moreover, for strategic reasons, Longxia would inevitably leave hidden backdoors in the exported ships that only it has control over. In peacetime, these are channels for maintenance and security, but in times of crisis, they could become decisive bargaining chips.

"Dear friends."

Standing beside the gangway of the Type 052C destroyer, Wang De began his introduction in a loud voice: "In the equipment system definition of our Longxia Navy, this powerful warship in front of you is classified as a 'third-and-a-half generation frigate'."

His words drew surprised looks from many of the delegates.

Such a powerful warship is actually just a "frigate"?
Wang De did not rush to explain, but first reported a series of basic performance data: "Its length exceeds 155 meters, its beam is about 18 meters, and its draft is nearly 6 meters."

"The standard displacement is about 6000 tons, and the full load displacement can reach more than 7000 tons! It adopts advanced diesel-gas hybrid power, with a normal cruising speed of 28 knots and a maximum speed of 32 knots when the power is fully utilized."

"At an economical cruising speed of 18 knots, the range reaches an astonishing 4500 nautical miles!"

When this set of data was read aloud, the whispers among the delegates turned into low gasps of surprise.

Its size, range, and speed clearly meet or even exceed the standards of many Western countries' current main destroyers, which are usually considered to be fourth-generation destroyers!
Long Xia actually humbly referred to it as a "destroyer"?
The technological confidence and equipment planning revealed behind this made the experts present secretly alarmed.

"It seems that the standards of the Longxia Navy are much higher than we imagined..." a naval attaché from a South American country sighed to his companion.

Wang De was very satisfied with the results. He continued to introduce the core combat capabilities: "The most outstanding feature of this ship is its powerful air defense and anti-missile capabilities."

"It is equipped with a universal vertical launch system with 6 sets of 8-cell launchers, totaling 48 launch units, which can be used to launch a mix of long-range area air defense missiles, anti-ship missiles and even land-attack cruise missiles."

"Its core is a four-sided fixed active phased array radar..."

He pointed to the prominent radar dome on the bridge, "The original radar has a maximum detection range of over 230 kilometers against aerial targets, and can simultaneously track, identify, and lock onto up to 60 targets, guiding ship-to-air missiles to achieve 'lock and strike'!"

He paused, then added a crucial note for the export version: "Of course, due to international military trade practices and some technical considerations, the maximum radar detection range of the export version we provide has been adjusted to 190 kilometers."

Even so, the 190-kilometer detection range and the ability to simultaneously lock onto and strike 60 targets still left the delegates breathless.

This means that a single Type 052C destroyer is sufficient to provide regional air defense for a small fleet, or to handle saturation attacks from the air on its own.

They couldn't help but wonder just how powerful the legendary, more advanced Type 052D destroyer, or even the 10,000-ton destroyer, would be.

Talk is cheap; actions speak louder than words. Wang De understood this well.

After the initial introduction, he warmly invited all the representatives to board the ship and personally experience a short sea voyage.

During the more than two-hour sea test, the Type 052C demonstrated the extreme detection range of its radar system in the open sea, simulated a multi-target interception process, and even conducted a live-fire demonstration of the missile's strike range and accuracy.

The sea breeze was biting, the warship cut through the waves, and the dense clusters of lights on the radar screen and the successful simulated interception allowed the delegates to personally experience the powerful force contained within this warship.

The slight hesitation that had existed before vanished completely in the face of this tangible performance demonstration, and the determination to buy became unwavering.

Upon returning to the dock, Wang De presented the final and most enticing "quotation".

"Each Type 052C destroyer is equipped with 156 missiles of various types, including air defense, anti-ship, and land attack missiles, as well as 18 advanced anti-submarine torpedoes, giving it a strong independent combat and sustained strike capability."

In theory, a single Type 052C destroyer, under certain tactical conditions, is sufficient to counter the encirclement and suppression of multiple conventional warships.

"The price is consistent with our initial public announcement."

"Price per ship: Nine hundred million US dollars!"

The price made some representatives raise their eyebrows slightly, but Wang De's next words quickly brought smiles to their faces.

"Furthermore, this price includes three years of completely free regular maintenance, a full set of free training courses for core crew members, and 10 batches of supporting missiles, included in the base of 156 missiles!"

The delegates quickly began to make their own calculations.

Nine hundred million US dollars is not outrageous compared to its potential role on the battlefield and the strategic benefits it may bring.

More importantly, the three-year free maintenance and training package provided by Longxia saved them a huge amount of subsequent investment and learning time, which is undoubtedly a great show of sincerity.

They also had a general understanding that the construction cost of such a destroyer was around five hundred million US dollars, and Longxia was selling it for nine hundred million, which was indeed a "rare commodity" with huge profits.

However, they also understood that they had no choice but to accept this price until the Eagle Tribe developed a warship of the same level that they were willing to export.

"Let's consider this an investment in advance for future regional dominance," many delegates thought.

The busyness continued until late at night.

In the brightly lit reception hall, an unprecedented military trade signing ceremony officially began.

Representatives from various countries took turns stepping forward to sign purchase contracts with representatives from the Longxia Navy and foreign trade departments.

In the end, the total number of orders for the Type 052C destroyers alone reached an astonishing 42, with a total value of US$37.8 billion!
Among them, the oil-producing countries, with their deep pockets, ordered 12 vessels in one go, intending to build a regional powerhouse.

Not to be outdone, the oil-producing country ordered 10 vessels.

Oil-rich countries are relatively cautious and have ordered two ships to replace their aging vessels.

(End of this chapter)