The Grandmother in the Siheyuan

When the evaluation meeting began, and the blueprints and renderings of the 20,000-ton destroyer were projected onto the screen, everyone gasped in shock—a gasp so intense it could choke them.

"This is 20,000 tons?" the naval leader exclaimed in surprise. "Academician Liu, your vertical launch unit is a bit outrageous. Even if this thing were to be stationed on our own coastline, the surrounding countries would be terrified."

"Isn't the purpose of military equipment to make the enemy tremble with fear, not dare to underestimate us, and not dare to act rashly?" Liu Hua asked with a smile. "If our military equipment can make our neighboring countries applaud, wouldn't that be the biggest joke in the world? For example, our Mongolian brothers to the north, let their two neighboring countries feel at ease."

The director's eyes were glistening with tears as he said in a sob, "We must build it! Our navy has suffered so much humiliation. I was thinking that I might not be able to hold my head high until I retired. Finally, this day has come. If we don't build it, I will die with regrets."

Some objected, saying, "Won't such a large ship cause our defense budget to exceed its limit?"

"Our navy can save money even if we have to sell our pots and pans and tighten our belts."

Liu Hua waved his hand: "No, no. Although this ship is very expensive, the benefits it will bring are even greater. The South China Sea will be relatively safer, and we can develop trade with ASEAN. With such a warship, I believe ASEAN will be much more clear-headed."

"Yes."

Liu Hua didn't recognize the speaker; he was a very dignified old man whose tone was firm and powerful: "A strong national defense can bring more stable economic income, and the two complement each other."

"Our country's economy has been booming in recent years, and the defense budget has also been rising steadily." Liu Hua said with a smile, "Although this ship is expensive, we can afford it. We've been poor for half a century, it's time to let our soldiers have a good time."

"Let's tentatively set it at six ships," the old man decided. "Two ships for each fleet. If it works well, we can also organize guerrilla fleets and spread them all over the world. Sometimes we need to show our strength."

The amount was finalized, and some details were discussed in depth. After minor repairs, the ship entered the construction phase, with each of the two major shipyards in the north and south receiving three ships.

On the third day, the amphibious assault ship was to be reviewed. When the rendering appeared on the big screen, someone fell off their seat.

"This is an amphibious assault ship, isn't it basically an aircraft carrier?"

Liu Hua, the main speaker, said with a smile: "Indeed, ordinary amphibious assault ships do not have this scale. At most, they can only park helicopters on them. But if we broaden our thinking, instead of helicopters, we can park drones. This is equivalent to a drone carrier."

The old man asked in confusion, "A drone carrier?"

Liu Hua nodded: "That's right. With the development of aircraft technology in the future, I think fighter jets should be developed into unmanned aircraft, because manned fighter jets directly limit the combat range and speed of fighter jets."

The naval leader frowned and said, "Could you elaborate?" "Will future aircraft become faster and faster? The answer is yes. If aircraft reach speeds of Mach 10 or Mach 15, how can pilots withstand that? Therefore, unmanned fighter jets are the best option."

Everyone present nodded in agreement. Liu Hua continued, "Future aircraft should not be limited to operations within the atmosphere. They will be able to operate in suborbital or even outer space orbits. At this point, drones will clearly have an advantage. Without a pilot, there is no need for oxygen supply, which saves space."

The old man nodded: "What you said makes perfect sense. This is clearly a requirement for future warfare. I just don't know if I, this old man, will ever be able to see such a magnificent sight."

Liu Hua said confidently, "Yes, we can. At most twenty or thirty years from now, we will definitely be able to achieve it."

"Then this old man should try his best and live another thirty years," the old man said with a smile. "Academician Liu, you call this kind of amphibious assault ship a drone carrier, which is to prepare for the future drone era."

Liu Hua nodded: "That's right, not in the future, the drone era has already arrived. The only countries in the world that are currently developing drones are us and the United States. Other countries also have them, but they are not developing them as vigorously. In the competition for drones, we will definitely beat the United States because our industry is constantly progressing, while the United States' industry is constantly regressing."

With smiles on everyone's faces, Liu Hua continued, "Our country is now building its first aircraft carrier. I think we don't need to build more than ten aircraft carriers like the US. We can build 50,000 to 70,000-ton unmanned aerial vehicle carriers because they are cheaper to build and can be produced in large quantities."

The old man nodded and said to the naval personnel, "I saw your unmanned missile boat test before. I think you could discuss with the Air Force about conducting research on unmanned combat."

“The army can also do it,” Liu Hua interjected. “The army can also be equipped with shuttle-level unmanned combat units, such as unmanned tanks and robots for combat. Future combat units may not need as many people, but they must have highly skilled technical personnel.”

"A very insightful observation." The old man slammed his hand on the table. "We have always emphasized streamlining the military and reducing bureaucracy, and it seems that this approach is still effective. It is very necessary to build a highly professional army."

The amphibious assault ship has passed the review, but no decision has been made on how many to build. Instead, they will build one first to test the waters and study its usage. It may be five years before the number of ships to be built is determined.

After the meeting, the old man and Liu Hua chatted alone for a while; they were of similar age.

"Academician Liu, first of all, I want to thank you for everything you have done over the years. We once made a hypothesis: if it weren't for your efforts, Professor Liu, we would be lagging behind in many aspects."

Liu Hua shook his head: "If not, then there will be Wang Hua, Li Hua, and our country has never lacked heroes who step forward."

“We are not lacking in heroes, but national heroes like you are not a question of lack; you yourselves are rare treasures.” The old man said with a smile, “We are fortunate to have you, Mr. Qian, Mr. Guo, and such a large group of national heroes. The country is fortunate to have you, and the nation is fortunate to have you.”

"You've elevated me to an undeserved height. I'm just a small ripple in the tide of history," Liu Hua said humbly. "Everything I'm doing now is within my power, and I hope to contribute my last bit of strength before I die." (End of Chapter)