Chapter 501: Coming to buy an aircraft carrier? Submarines are more suitable for you!
After eating barbecue, it was already eleven o'clock in the night. Qin Tao got in the car and went to enjoy the nightlife. The car drove around a few times in the brightly lit city, and then stopped in front of an inconspicuous hotel.
Qin Tao and Xu Zhengyang went upstairs and knocked on a door. The people inside had been waiting for a long time.
“Mr. Qin, I’m very happy to meet you. I am Manuel, the representative of the Crying Country.” Manuel extended his hand to Qin Tao.
(The Weeping Country is located south of the Football Country and is the eighth largest country in the world. It fought a war with the British in 1982. It seems to have been nicknamed Jinyiwei.)
“Well, I’m very happy too. I wonder why you came to see me?” Qin Tao asked with a smile.
“We heard that you and the Chinese Navy have reached an agreement on the construction plan of an aircraft carrier.” Manuel said: “So, we also want to purchase an aircraft carrier.”
Qin Tao shook his head.
This made Manuel a little curious: "Why, don't you plan to do business?"
“I’m sorry, Mr. Manuel, I don’t think you have the ability to operate an aircraft carrier.”
"How is it possible? Our navy currently still has an aircraft carrier. However, this aircraft carrier is too old. Therefore, we want to purchase a new one, just like the football country, using our minerals in exchange for the aircraft carrier. !”
Although the Football Country and the Crying Country are pretty good on the surface, in fact, they are still competitive. After all, there are only a few influential countries in Latin America.
The Football Country is about to renew its aircraft carrier force. The Weeping Country saw this and was anxious in their hearts. They turned around and found that the Eastern construction plan was the most suitable. Therefore, they also wanted to purchase one. In this military competition , absolutely cannot be compared.
The football country has iron ore, and the crying country also has a lot of mineral resources!
Who would have thought that the person in front of him actually shook his head, which surprised Manuel.
"No, acquiring an aircraft carrier is just the beginning. Next, there will be a large amount of capital investment, such as purchasing enough carrier-based aircraft for the aircraft carrier and equipping the aircraft carrier with a large number of warships. With your strength, even if you purchase the aircraft carrier, It is also impossible to purchase advanced carrier-based aircraft and supporting warships, which will not have any combat effectiveness. Even if it is launched, it will still be a living target at sea."
The aircraft carrier itself has no combat capabilities and needs to be equipped with the entire fleet.
Hearing what Qin Tao said, Manuel's face looked a little ugly. Yes, Mr. Qin opposite was right! The Crying Nation no longer has enough strength to operate an aircraft carrier formation. When their aircraft carrier is decommissioned on May 25, they will completely lose their water aircraft carrier power!
"What a pity. If you had won that war, things would never be like this." Qin Tao said with emotion in his tone.
Manuel's face became even more ugly, and he clenched his fists: "Yes, it would have been great if we had won the war back then. Damn it, those Westerners, at the most critical moment, all Stand with the British!"
For the Weeping Country, the war more than ten years ago is a scar they can never forget.
Their eastern part, the Malvinas Islands, has always been their territory, but it was occupied by the hateful British colonists. In 1982, they used force to seize their own territory, and a war broke out. Atlantic War.
Originally they thought that the West would stay out of the matter, but who would have thought that the West would all side with the British, especially the French, who detained a large number of Super Etendard fighter jets and Exocet missiles. If they had sufficient weapons back then, they would never have done so. Make the war like that.
The failure of the war left their country in a state of decline, and the once powerful army began to decline.
The navy is a typical representative.
Many senior officials in the military are very worried about this. They want to regroup and restore their former glory.
So, they need a new aircraft carrier.
The country's economic strength continues to decline, and it is no longer possible to equip them with new aircraft carriers. Even the May 25th is about to be decommissioned. They are worried and there is nothing they can do.
At this time, Mingzhou Group suddenly visited the Latin American continent, promoted aircraft carriers to football countries, and even used iron ore to exchange for aircraft carriers. Therefore, they were also tempted and hoped to follow the same pattern. Moreover, the plan given by Mingzhou Group is the most suitable for their needs.
However, Qin Tao broke their illusions.
This plan doesn't work for them.
Xu Zhengyang on the side was a little curious, when did Mr. Qin become so kind?
It should be a lie. Even if the other party is not capable of operating it, it must first buy the aircraft carrier. Once the aircraft carrier is acquired, then tighten the belt and buy carrier-based aircraft and other warships until the last drop of blood is squeezed out. Isn’t that what arms dealers have to do?
Mr. Qin actually considers the other party?
However, I have to say that Mr. Qin really gained the other party's favor by saying this.
Originally, the other party only came here with a tentative mentality. After all, it was the first time for everyone to meet, so it was impossible to have much trust. However, Qin Tao considered them from the other party's point of view, which immediately made them have feelings for each other. Qin Tao’s respect.
“Mr. Qin, you are right.” Manuel sighed: “With our current strength, we are indeed unable to maintain a large aircraft carrier formation, but we also hope that our navy will continue to grow stronger!”
Even if their national strength does not allow it, they are still recalling the glorious past. In the 1980s, before the Falklands War, their navy was quite powerful!
In the 1960s, the navy of the Weeping Country acquired a second-hand aircraft carrier from the Netherlands and Canada and renamed them "Independence" and "May 25" respectively. Since then, they have become one of the few dual-carrier navies in the world. However, the good times did not last long. These giant-class aircraft carriers built by Britain during World War II were too old. The "Independence" was decommissioned in 1970 and scrapped and dismantled in 1971. The "May 25th" reluctantly carried out modernization improvements and participated in the Falklands War. After that, due to a power system failure, it basically never left the port again.
Last year, they planned to improve this aircraft carrier. As a result, they could not raise funds, so they could only let the aircraft carrier sit in the port in the sun and wind, and its future fate would be to retire.
“I understand what you are thinking.” Qin Tao said: “Do you still remember what happened with the cruiser Belgrano?”
Why don’t you remember?
Manuel's face was serious: "It is the only 10,000-ton cruiser in our navy, but in 1982, it was sunk by a torpedo launched by a British nuclear submarine, which also announced the beginning of that war. .”
This is the pain in the hearts of the weeping people. Why does Mr. Qin always expose the other party's scars? Xu Zhengyang really didn't understand.
However, Manuel reacted: "You mean, our navy should develop a submarine force?"
Qin Tao nodded.
"Actually, we are already developing a submarine force, but our national strength does not allow it." When he said this, Manuel had a look of helplessness on his face, and he still fantasized about buying an aircraft carrier. In fact, they even There is no power to acquire several submarines.
After World War II, the Weeping Country's economy developed greatly, its national strength became stronger and stronger, and its naval construction reached its peak. In the 1980s, they began the Santa Cruz-class conventionally powered submarine project. This submarine is also known as TR-1700.
This is a submarine project cooperating with Germany. The first two were built at the German North Sea Shipyard, and the next four were built at the Weeping Country shipyard. Compared with the 209 submarine, its displacement has been enlarged to more than 2,000 tons. It was the largest displacement submarine designed by Germany at that time.
The project was launched in the 1980s, so it did not catch up with the Falklands War. Otherwise, the history of this naval battle may have been rewritten.
However, the Germans did not make any mistakes. After the war, they delivered the first ship in 1984 and the second ship in 1985, in full compliance with the contract.
The remaining four built in the Weeping Country did not have such luck. The last two were directly stopped, and the purchased parts were used to support the two service submarines. Of the first two, the first one was built at 100%. More than fifty percent, and the second ship is more than thirty percent completed.
They did not have the financial strength to support the continued construction plan and tried to sell the submarines, but in the end, no buyer took over.
So, the Navy of the Weeping Country actually still wants to develop its submarine force. However, without that strength, it will be unable to complete the construction of two half-baked submarines, let alone purchase a brand new submarine?
“Didn’t you just say that you would use minerals in exchange for equipment?” Qin Tao said: “This plan still works. You provide the minerals and we help with the construction, and each gets what he needs.”
Minerals?
That’s right, minerals can be exchanged for equipment, I almost forgot!
Manuel became excited: "Yes, you can use minerals to exchange for equipment, but do you also produce submarines?"
They don’t know much about the Mingzhou Group’s submarines, and they haven’t paid much attention to them before.
“Of course, we are also producing submarines. Our submarines have more advanced performance and a larger displacement than your TR-1700. If the AIP system is installed, it can have an underwater displacement of three thousand tons.”
Three thousand tons, an absolutely large submarine!
Furthermore, there is also an AIP system!
“At present, the submarine we built for the Pyramid State has begun sea trials. Everything is in good condition. The AIP system used on it can sail silently underwater for twenty days.”
Twenty days of underwater endurance! This breaks the ceiling of diesel-electric submarines!
The latter is good at lurking underwater for a week. This AIP system directly triples the underwater navigation capability, which is almost the same as a nuclear submarine!
Manuel's breathing quickened.
At the beginning, the British suffered a loss and were sunk by the opponent's nuclear submarine, a 10,000-ton cruiser. Now, if our own side has similar submarines, we no longer have to worry about it.
"If you are interested, you can send a special inspection team to our Mingzhou to have a look." Qin Tao said: "After seeing it, you will be satisfied with this submarine, and then we will discuss the purchase. "
Manuel nodded: "Yes, we need to organize a study group to visit Mingzhou!"
As expected, this visit was not in vain. Mr. Qin always considers them and recommends the most suitable products to them. He is a deep friend!
“If we decide to purchase submarines from you, then we will not be able to complete the construction of our own two submarines. This is a pity.” Manuel felt a little distressed when he thought about this project.
Half of it was built, and all the parts were bought from Germany. Now, everything has to be wasted.
etc!
Qin Tao suddenly thought of something.
The parts for these four submarines have arrived, but they can’t be assembled!
If my memory is correct, each of these TR-1700 submarines must use four MTU396 diesel engines. Four ships equals sixteen!
Although the displacement of the TR-1700 submarine is not as large as that of the 039B, the Navy of the Weeping Country requires a very high speed. Therefore, when the Germans were designing, they installed four diesel engines, all of which are special models for submarines. These engines alone are of little value. Damn it, it's a pity that people like the Weeping Country don't know how to sell these parts, they just want to complete the installation.
There is nothing we can do about this. After all, the 396 diesel engine specially used for submarines is very different from ordinary diesel engines. For example, it has better silent performance and less vibration, which makes this kind of diesel engine more expensive.
It can be said that it is exclusively for submarines.
However, submarine construction plants around the world will never come to purchase second-hand goods from the Weeping Country!
The Weeping Country has nothing to do.
Qin Tao's mind was thinking rapidly, how can he buy these rags back at a low price?
"Yes, your submarines can no longer be built. They are all designs from the 1980s and have long been outdated." Qin Tao said: "Our Mingzhou Group also operates a ship-breaking business. If you need it, you can use it." Sell it to us at the right price.”
Ship breaking business? Sell?
Manuel frowned: "No, no, as long as there are funds, the construction of those two submarines can be completed. We will not sell them as junk. If we want to sell them, we can only purchase real submarines." The customer invests in building it and then picks it up.”
Qin Tao smiled: "Customers who actually purchase submarines? I'm afraid they won't choose the submarines you have stopped building for many years. Wouldn't it be better for them to order directly from Germany? It's not like you haven't tried to sell them in these years."
After discovering that the remaining four submarines were no longer able to be completed, the Crying Nation began to look for buyers around the world.
Just as Qin Tao said, no one wants the submarines of the Weeping Country! If you are in need, go directly to Germany and order. The quality of Weeping Country cannot be assured.
"If you sell these two submarines and the extra unnecessary parts to our Mingzhou Group, we can give you twice the price as other ship-breaking yards, and it can also serve as a deposit for the new submarine." Qin Tao continued: "This should be the best place for them."
Manuel still shook his head.
"Okay, then I'll follow your wishes. If you want to sell them in the future, you can come to us at any time." After Qin Tao finished speaking, he thought of something: "You must be careful with your two submarines that are already in service. "
"Why?"
"Because this submarine has design flaws, forget it, let's not talk about it. This is just our guess." Qin Tao said solemnly: "Let's go back to the topic just now. I promise you that our weapons Exports will not be interfered by third countries. Nobles who use our weapons will never be cut off from the supply of ammunition."
Manuel was impressed.
Those mentioned before are all secondary, the last sentence is the most critical!
The war in 1982 has made the Weeping Country never forget how they were collectively tricked by the West. Everyone came to the British side, especially France, who originally paid for Exocet missiles. Just won’t deliver the goods!
Had there been a few more Exocet missiles, the outcome of the war might have been rewritten.
What about the East? Dongfang sells weapons and never looks at other people's faces.
Manuel nodded: "I will convey your words back."
Xu Zhengyang was very curious when he came out of the hotel.
“President Qin, why don’t you sell them an aircraft carrier?”
"I do want to sell it. Can the British agree?" Qin Tao said: "When the time comes, they will be jumping up and down and racking their brains to cause trouble for us. Why bother."
It’s actually for this!
In fact, before the war began, the relationship between the Weeping Country and the United Kingdom was very good. The main destroyer of the Weeping Country's navy was the British Type 42. They had used the Type 42 as a target to practice attacks many times.
But after fighting a war, there is no way to go back to the past. After that, no matter which country sells weapons to the Crying Country, it will be criticized by the United Kingdom.
Submarine trading can be carried out secretly, without the fanfare of aircraft carriers, and the resistance will be much smaller.
Although Qin Tao is not afraid, he must avoid it if it should be avoided, especially since the Weeping Country really has no money now.
Xu Zhengyang was a little dumbfounded. Is it for this reason?
This is certainly one of the reasons, but it is definitely the key reason.
At this moment, a car phone in the car rang.
“What’s going on?” Xu Zhengyang pressed the answer button skillfully. This car is provided by the embassy, with guaranteed safety and complete communication facilities.
“Someone is following you, do you want to kill them?”
“No, just stop them and I’ll get rid of them.” Xu Zhengyang said and stepped on the accelerator to the bottom.
The car roared.
Behind him, a truck suddenly jumped out of the road, completely cutting off the traffic flow.
“Someone is following, could it be the person from the opposite side?” Qin Tao said to himself: “They have always wanted to purchase TR-1700, but now they have decided to target us?”
However, this guess only existed for a moment, and the other party should not be that stupid.
It was already past one o'clock in the morning when we returned to the hotel where we stayed. The next day was the day to leave the football country.
This time I came over. On the surface, it was just a game of football. No other agreements were reached, and no formal contract was signed. But Qin Tao was not disappointed at all.
Arms deals are never easy. It is impossible for you to fool yourself and have the other party agree immediately.
Coming here this time is just the first contact. We have established a relationship with each other and laid the foundation. I don’t know how much work will be done in the future to finally reach an agreement. At the same time, there will be all kinds of iterations and all kinds of things. Exchange of interests, etc.
Just think of it as bringing the football team over to play a friendly match, so what?
The international players got on the plane without any frustration. They had already had a premonition about the result of yesterday's football game. Moreover, their psychology is very strong. No matter how many times they lose, they can face it all optimistically.
Just like when he arrived, Irges came to see him off in person and promised to visit the East after a while. However, after getting on the plane, Xu Zhengyang still told Qin Tao the latest information.
“The United States is planning to sell one of their amphibious assault ships half to football countries.”
“Amphibious assault ship, half sold and half given away?” Qin Tao’s face showed a smile: “From this point of view, the football country has to thank us. If we hadn’t come over, they wouldn’t have gotten this opportunity.”
“Mr. Qin, are you not worried?”
"What's the point of worrying? The choice lies with the football countries, and we have no reason to interfere with their choices." Qin Tao said: "It just depends on whether they can keep their eyes open. We still have something to gain, at least give the French Squeezed away."
Keep your eyes open?
Xu Zhengyang looked at Qin Tao: "Mr. Qin, do you think there is a problem here?"
"The Americans have some ideas and actually want to give away amphibious assault ships, but this thing is not that easy to use." Qin Tao said easily: "Just analyze the amphibious assault ships that the Americans have now. ”
As you can tell from the name, this kind of warship is specially prepared for the Marine Corps. It comes from the United States.
During World War II, there were many tragic landing operations, such as the **** Normandy landing, Guadalcanal landing, etc. This kind of amphibious landing operation is very dangerous and the risk is huge.
Traditional tank landing ships have limited cabin volume and carrying capacity, but the enemy can deploy a large number of fortifications and bunkers on the coastline. This brought great disadvantages to amphibious landing operations.
So, in the 1950s, the Americans used the Essex-class aircraft carriers built during World War II to transform them into specialized amphibious assault ships.
It can carry a large number of landing vehicles and multiple UH-34J "Seahorse" helicopters or Marine Corps UH-34 helicopters. In particular, the Marine Corps' UH-34 helicopters are also equipped with door machine guns, and initially have certain capabilities. Land support capabilities. However, after all, this is a modified aircraft carrier and has many flaws. Therefore, they are also developing a specialized amphibious assault ship.
In 1958, the construction of the USS Iwo Jima, the first ship of the Iwo Jima-class amphibious assault ship, started and was launched in August 1961. This professional amphibious assault ship only had a displacement of 18,000 tons, but it ushered in a new era.
After this amphibious assault ship, the U.S. Navy continued its efforts and built the Tarawa-class amphibious assault ship and the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship.
However, what the Americans half sold and half gave to football countries must be the earliest Iwo Jima-class amphibious assault ships. This amphibious assault ship was also an old ship that was successively replaced by the Wasp class in the 1990s. They are qualified as amphibious assault ships. Yes, but as an aircraft carrier, it is absolutely useless.
(End of this chapter)