"Your Highness, we are delighted to welcome you to the Krupp Company!" Gustav Krupp and Betta Krupp had been awaiting at the entrance, and as Qin Tian alighted from his carriage, they approached with beaming smiles.
"Greetings, Mr. Krupp!" Qin Tian extended his hand, shaking Gustav's firmly. He held the man, who had entered the Krupp family through marriage and now commanded Germany's largest arms empire, in high regard. Under his leadership, the Krupp Company had flourished, solidifying its status as a military giant both in Germany and across the globe.
"Hello, Miss Krupp, it's a pleasure to see you again!" Qin Tian said warmly.
His familiarity with Betta Krupp stemmed from their previous collaboration, which had enabled the Krupp Company to invest significantly in the development of new large-caliber naval guns, ensuring that Germany's battleships were not delayed due to a lack of main armament. This endeavor had required immense effort from Krupp, and the continuous influx of orders had undoubtedly yielded considerable profits.
It is worth noting that the main guns for battleships are not mere trivial transactions. Their considerable size and weight result in steep production costs. Moreover, these guns require barrel replacement after a certain number of rounds fired; otherwise, excessive wear on the rifling can severely compromise accuracy.
For the Krupp Company, the sale of a single cannon entails ongoing service opportunities, significantly enhancing their profitability.
"Your Highness, it is a pleasure to see you," Betta greeted, her smile radiant. Although the day-to-day operations of the company had been entrusted to Gustav following their marriage, she still retained a majority stake in the Krupp Company. Thus, she could readily reclaim control whenever she desired.
After a cordial exchange of pleasantries, Qin Tian was invited into Gustav Krupp's office. The room was occupied solely by the Krupp couple and Qin Tian, who they clearly recognized would not be visiting without purpose.
"Mr. Krupp, the Imperial Navy is exceedingly satisfied with the new artillery being developed by your company. The 50-caliber 305 mm guns possess remarkable armor-piercing capabilities, surpassing even those of the British Navy's equivalent caliber guns. In fact, the effectiveness of their larger-caliber guns pales in comparison," Qin Tian praised, his appreciation evident.
"Your Highness, producing performance-compliant main guns for the Imperial Navy is our duty. Of course, your unwavering support has been instrumental. Were it not for your insistence on our development efforts, this type of artillery might not even exist today," Gustav replied.
Qin Tian nodded, acknowledging that the Krupp Company's contributions to the Navy and his own endeavors had been substantial.
"I have come to discuss several matters with you both," Qin Tian continued.
The expressions on the faces of the Krupp couple grew serious, aware that substantive discussions were imminent.
"Firstly, the Navy has initiated plans for an additional class of battleships and battlecruisers, with construction expected to commence shortly. A total of eight vessels will require 24 triple-mounted 343 mm guns. Alongside the previously requested 15 triple-mounted 343 mm guns, the Navy hopes that the Krupp Company can expedite the development and production of the 50-caliber 343 mm guns in time for the launch of the Helgoland-class battleships. Otherwise, it could delay the operational readiness of our main fleet," Qin Tian outlined.
"Your Highness, this is entirely feasible. We have made groundbreaking progress in developing the 50-caliber 343 mm gun and have already completed a significant portion of the work. We anticipate that it will be finished by the end of 1908," Gustav assured.
Qin Tian was satisfied with this response, as the Helgoland-class battleships were also slated for launch at the end of 1908. Thus, the Krupp Company's artillery would be ready in time. The subsequent Kaiser-class battleships and Moltke-class battlecruisers would come later.
"Additionally, the Navy wishes for the Krupp Company to commence research on even larger caliber guns for the battleships," Qin Tian added.
"Larger caliber guns?" Both Gustav and Betta Krupp gasped in astonishment. Given Qin Tian's earlier demands, the Krupp Company's research division had been operating at full capacity for years. Just as they were nearing completion of the 343 mm gun, Qin Tian was now presenting them with yet another challenge.
Developing main guns for battleships was no trivial matter, especially as the caliber increased, resulting in exponentially greater complexity. This new request posed a formidable challenge for the Krupp Company.
"Mr. Krupp, this is non-negotiable. Our next class of battleships will employ guns not of 343 mm, but of 380 mm caliber. This is not an attempt to burden you, but rather a response to the escalating tensions we face. Our longstanding rivals, the British, have already commenced development of 381 mm guns. We must not lag behind. Our Navy cannot confront the British with smaller-caliber artillery. That would be an abdication of responsibility toward the Imperial Navy," Qin Tian stated gravely.
While the German Navy had made significant strides in catching up to the British fleet with new capital ships, Qin Tian understood that complacency was perilous. The speed of British naval advancements was daunting. Should the German Navy halt its progress, it could soon find itself overtaken. Qin Tian could not bear the thought of German ships being ravaged in future naval engagements by British battleships like the Queen Elizabeth-class, equipped with 381 mm guns.
Indeed, the German Navy's 50-caliber 343 mm guns were not necessarily inferior to the British Navy's 45-caliber 381 mm guns. However, possessing even larger caliber artillery would undeniably enhance the likelihood of victory for the German Navy.