"Esteemed colleagues, based on the intelligence we have gathered, the British Navy has expedited preparations for the construction of the 'St. Vincent-class' battleships and the 'Indefatigable-class' battlecruisers. It is anticipated that both classes of ships will commence construction next year. Should these vessels enter service, we will find ourselves at a significant numerical disadvantage," Qin Tian informed the assembly.
"Your Highness, even if the British begin constructing these vessels, the threat they pose remains quite limited. Our 'Helgoland-class' battleships number five, whereas the British will only have six of their new ships, a mere one more than us. Furthermore, our battleships far surpass theirs in performance. Moreover, the 'Helgoland-class' is equipped with 343 mm main guns. Therefore, your earlier statement seems somewhat alarmist!" von Moltke interjected.
Though the naval construction plans were not directly within his purview, he could not bear to witness Qin Tian's growing influence.
"Indeed, while our 'Helgoland-class' battleships may be strong, we must prepare thoroughly. Intelligence suggests the British have already commenced development of their 343 mm guns, albeit currently facing some technical challenges. However, given their technological prowess, it is virtually assured they will overcome these obstacles. Once they achieve breakthroughs in large-caliber artillery, they will swiftly proceed to construct more advanced battleships. We cannot afford to remain complacent; if we do, we will simply watch as the British re-establish their maritime dominance, placing us under immense pressure," Qin Tian countered.
"Your Highness is correct. While our 'Helgoland-class' battleships are formidable, we must prepare in advance. Intelligence indicates that the British have long begun work on the 343 mm guns. Although they have encountered technical hurdles, it is unlikely they will not eventually succeed. Once the British make headway in large-caliber artillery, it is foreseeable that they will promptly initiate construction on more modern battleships. What then will we have to match their pace?" Count Tirpitz stated, casting a stern gaze at von Moltke.
This was fundamentally a naval matter, and Moltke, as the Army's Chief of Staff, had no rightful claim to comment. Only in the event of war, should he be appointed as Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, would he gain the authority to influence naval affairs.
Von Moltke chuckled lightly and refrained from further comment. His earlier question had merely been a ploy to irritate Qin Tian, and he had never intended to obstruct the Navy's acquisition of additional capital ships. After provoking a response from Tirpitz, he promptly fell silent, preferring to avoid a confrontation.
"Very well, Oscar, what are your thoughts regarding the next class of capital ships?" Emperor Wilhelm II inquired.
"Father, although our 'Blücher-class' battlecruisers are about to enter service, the British 'Invincible-class' battlecruisers will likely do so around the same time. While our 'Blücher-class' ships are superior, facing three of our battlecruisers against six of theirs will be quite challenging. Moreover, we must strike at the British maritime supply lines. Therefore, we cannot afford to lag behind the British in battlecruiser construction," Qin Tian asserted.
Emperor Wilhelm II nodded, harboring some reservations about the battlecruisers' combat capabilities, yet recognizing that since the British were vigorously building such vessels, they must indeed hold promise. If Germany sought to disrupt British maritime supply lines in future conflicts, a greater number of battlecruisers would be essential.
"Tirpitz, what is the Navy's perspective?" Wilhelm II asked.
"Your Majesty, three 'Blücher-class' battlecruisers are insufficient to achieve our strategic goals; we require additional battlecruisers," Count Tirpitz promptly replied.
For him, both battlecruisers and battleships represented essential capital ships, and the more, the better. While principle dictated that battlecruisers should not be engaged in direct capital ship confrontations, the German Navy's battlecruisers might be an exception. Though inferior in armored defense compared to the battleships, they were nonetheless comparable to their British counterparts. Thus, if necessary, it would not be out of the question to deploy German battlecruisers against British capital ships. In this context, Count Tirpitz naturally advocated for more battlecruisers.
Wilhelm II nodded, "Oscar, please present your design to everyone."
"Yes, Your Majesty!" Qin Tian responded.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you my design for the next class of battlecruisers. Measuring 185 meters in length, 28 meters in width, with a draft of 9.1 meters and a full-load displacement of 29,000 tons, it will be armed with three triple turrets of 343 mm 50-caliber guns, ten single 150 mm secondary guns, twelve 120 mm quick-firing guns, and four 88 mm quick-firing guns. It will be powered by 24 improved oil-fired boilers and four steam turbines, with a quadruple screw propulsion system, generating a maximum output of 64,000 horsepower and achieving a top speed of 27 knots. In terms of armor, the main belt will have a thickness of 330 mm, the deck armor will be 55 mm, the turret face will be 330 mm, and the command tower armor will also be 330 mm. Compared to the 'Blücher-class' battlecruisers, this class boasts more powerful firepower, thicker armor, and greater speed. I personally propose naming this class the 'Moltke-class' battlecruiser, in honor of Marshal Moltke's immortal contributions during the unification of the German Empire," Qin Tian presented to the assembly.
Everyone was taken aback, surprised by Qin Tian's suggestion. Moltke, in particular, was stunned. After all, his relationship with Qin Tian was currently quite strained. For Qin Tian to suggest naming a class of battlecruisers after his uncle was undoubtedly a tremendous honor.