Port Wilhelm, the Headquarters of the Imperial German High Seas Fleet.The German Navy stands robust and formidable. The High Seas Fleet has reached the pinnacle of its strength, boasting 24 advanced battleships and 12 modern battlecruisers, culminating in a total of 36 capital ships. This figure does not even include the pre-dreadnoughts; should they be counted, the number of major vessels would soar to sixty.
Of course, pre-dreadnoughts hold little value in naval combat—a widely accepted truth. If they were to be included in the count of capital ships, the Royal Navy would still maintain a substantial advantage, having constructed dozens before the war. However, their combat capabilities are utterly lacking; once deployed in battle, they are destined for slaughter. For the sake of the sailors' lives, it would be unwise to risk these vessels on the front lines.
Admiral Reinhard Scheer, commander of the High Seas Fleet, is engaged in conversation with Vice Admiral Franz von Hipper, the fleet's chief of staff. They sit in an office, gazing out at the warships in the harbor, reflecting on their achievements.
"Admiral Hipper, who could have imagined that in just over a decade, our navy would develop to this extent? Judged purely on strength, we have surpassed the British and become the indisputable premier naval power," Admiral Scheer declares. Surpassing the Royal Navy has always been their goal. Although the decisive battle has yet to begin, it seems they have achieved this ambition prematurely. Admiral Scheer is confident that, even if a confrontation erupted today, they would have the upper hand against the British.
"Indeed! This is largely thanks to the astute leadership of His Royal Highness. Without his guidance, relying solely on the naval technology committee's methodical approach, we would never have been able to outpace the British," Vice Admiral Hipper replies, brimming with admiration for Qin Tian. There are many within the German Navy who share Hipper's sentiments; thanks to his capabilities, Qin Tian has garnered a significant number of steadfast supporters.
Admiral Scheer nods, expressing his own confidence in Qin Tian. "However, since the 'Bavaria-class' battleships and the 'Mackensen-class' battlecruisers, we have not constructed any new capital ships. Can we maintain our advantage this way? Intelligence reports indicate that the British are feverishly building new capital ships. Meanwhile, the Americans across the ocean, having been soundly humiliated by us last time, have also embarked on an aggressive shipbuilding campaign. Our future pressure will be immense," Hipper continues.
"Indeed, His Royal Highness has no intention of constructing additional capital ships. However, I believe he is correct. While capital ships are currently the backbone of naval warfare, that may soon change. Therefore, to continue building them would be a misallocation of resources. For the Imperial Navy to retain its status as the world's foremost power, we must embrace innovation. His Royal Highness possesses a vision that surpasses our own!" Admiral Scheer exclaims.
"Battleships and battlecruisers will no longer be the mainstay? How can that be?" Hipper, as the chief of staff and an accomplished naval commander, struggles to accept this notion, being a staunch advocate for the power of large ships and artillery.
"Indeed, they will soon become obsolete," Admiral Scheer assures him.
"What then will be the mainstay of future naval warfare? Submarines, or perhaps aircraft carriers as a secret weapon?" Hipper inquires.
"Admiral, last week, I personally observed the combat drills of our two aircraft carriers in the Baltic Sea. The aircraft launched from these carriers mounted a fierce assault on target ships. You can scarcely imagine the overwhelming spectacle of those aircraft unleashing their attacks. The ships on the surface were utterly besieged. Though currently, the aircraft aboard can only deploy light torpedoes and 200-kilogram bombs, His Royal Highness asserts that as technology advances, the next class of aircraft carriers will be able to carry medium torpedoes and bombs weighing up to 500 kilograms. At that point, their striking power will significantly increase, posing a grave threat to capital ships," Admiral Scheer explains.
Though Hipper finds it difficult to accept this outcome, he cannot help but nod in agreement. If battleships' armor can withstand light torpedoes, medium torpedoes would undeniably present a substantial threat. Not to mention that future aircraft may well carry heavy torpedoes. That will truly challenge the primacy of capital ships.
"It seems our steadfast commitment to large ships and artillery will soon be rendered obsolete," Hipper says with a wry smile.
"Yes, this impending confrontation with the British Navy may very well represent the pinnacle and conclusion of the age of the big guns. In the next naval engagement, the primary force will no longer be these capital ships, but rather aircraft carriers and their aircraft. I take solace in the fact that we have surpassed the British in the era of big ships. In the forthcoming age of aircraft carriers and their aircraft, we shall continue to outpace other nations and lead the global naval evolution. This will ensure that our navy remains formidable. The future Imperial Navy will still be the strongest in the world," Admiral Scheer asserts confidently.
"General, your words resonate deeply. Whether in the age of big ships or the era of aircraft carriers, as long as we maintain our lead over the world, that constitutes our victory. The future of the Imperial Navy shall continue to dominate globally," Hipper responds.
"Indeed, the construction of the next four aircraft carriers has already commenced. The development of carrier-based aircraft is also entering a crucial phase. In the future, the Imperial Navy will become even more powerful. However, we must defeat the British before the new aircraft carriers are operational. I hope we can secure a magnificent victory to conclude the era of big guns on a high note!"