The reform of the army proceeded under QinTian's direct instructions, leaving the subsequent tasks to the Ministry of the Army and the General Staff. Confident in the abilities of Marshal von Falkenhayn, QinTian believed he would accomplish everything impeccably.
Although Marshal von Falkenhayn was advancing in age, it was customary for such figures to serve another decade or so without issue. Coupled with his robust health, QinTian trusted that he would successfully carry out the reforms within the next ten years.
With the army addressed, the focus shifted to the navy.
"The Imperial Navy remains the undisputed leader in both scale and combat capability. Yet, we must acknowledge that many of our current warships are no longer suited to the evolving nature of modern naval warfare," QinTian stated.
A faint shadow crossed the faces of the assembled naval officers. They had long been aware of QinTian's intentions through various channels. While they understood that his measures would ultimately strengthen the German Navy, the prospect of retiring so many capital ships at once left a bitter taste.
"Aside from the five König-class battleships, five Bayern-class battleships, three Derfflinger-class battlecruisers, and three Mackensen-class battlecruisers, all other capital ships are to be decommissioned," QinTian announced.
This decision left the Imperial Navy with just 16 capital ships. However, even in this reduced state, the navy remained unrivaled globally. These vessels, armed with formidable 380mm guns of 50-caliber length, left no other nation capable of challenging Germany at sea.
"Your Majesty, while the streamlined navy retains its supremacy, it might prove insufficient to safeguard the Empire's extensive overseas interests," cautioned Grand Admiral von Tirpitz.
Indeed, with the Empire's colonies sprawling across the globe, maintaining their security demanded a further enhancement of naval strength. The British Empire, after all, had painstakingly built the world's strongest navy to protect its own far-reaching colonies—only to be soundly defeated by the German fleet in recent years.
QinTian nodded. "I understand your concerns. However, retiring outdated capital ships does not equate to diminishing the navy's strength. We must acknowledge that the era of battleships as the primary force in naval warfare is fading. The future belongs to aircraft carriers.
"Currently, we possess two Pioneer-class carriers and four Kaiser Wilhelm-class carriers. Even these six carriers have already significantly bolstered our naval power. In the years ahead, the Empire will construct even more advanced carriers, further enhancing our supremacy."
"Yes, Your Majesty!" the naval officers responded in unison. They were well aware of the decisive role carriers played in augmenting naval power. The prospect of building additional carriers was undoubtedly reassuring.
"I also have good news to share," QinTian continued, smiling. "While the Empire will no longer build new battleships, we have captured numerous incomplete British warships. Following their defeat, the British Royal Navy, under the leadership of Churchill, launched an ambitious construction program in a desperate bid to reclaim supremacy.
"These include the New Iron Duke-class and New King George V-class battleships, armed with 381mm guns, as well as the Lion-class, equipped with 406mm guns. In total, these three classes account for 12 ships.
"The British also planned to build three classes of advanced battlecruisers: the Renown, Glorious, and Hood classes, armed with either 381mm or 406mm guns. However, none were completed before Britain's mainland fell. These ships are now in our hands."
"Gentlemen, these 12 battleships and 10 battlecruisers represent a tremendous opportunity. Since the British have already completed a significant portion of their construction, we can refine and integrate these vessels into our fleet. This will undoubtedly elevate the strength of the Imperial Navy even further," QinTian declared, his smile widening.
"Your Majesty, this is extraordinary news!" exclaimed Grand Admiral von Tirpitz, his face alight with joy.
The other naval officers shared in his enthusiasm. Securing 12 battleships and 10 powerful battlecruisers not only offset the retirement of older vessels but also provided the navy with a tremendous leap in capability.
The decommissioned ships, armed with 305mm or 343mm guns, were no match for the newly acquired vessels equipped with 380mm and 406mm guns.
Though the British had originally designed these warships with their own specifications, they would be modified to incorporate German-made artillery, notably the 380mm and 410mm guns. While this might introduce some performance challenges, German engineers would work diligently to mitigate any adverse effects. Moreover, acquiring these ships allowed the Empire to save a significant amount of resources.
Once operational, the Imperial Navy would field 22 battleships and 16 battlecruisers. With a grand total of 38 capital ships, it would once again assert its place as the world's preeminent naval force—unrivaled in both size and strength.