My Italy

In the second half of 1903, the navies of various European countries received news that Italy secretly built an epoch-making warship. It had four twin-mounted main guns of more than 300 mm. In addition, it ran extremely fast, with at least 21 knot speed. And its displacement is not small. It is estimated to have a standard displacement of 18,000-20,000 tons. The above is the information collected by the navies of various countries.

The new battleships that Italy has been trying to cover up for so long are still known to the navies of various countries. But this is normal. You must know that the Adriatic Sea is a very busy sea area. In addition to Italy, the Austro-Hungarian maritime trade route also needs to pass through here. Therefore, after the sea trial of the Dreadnaught, it was impossible not to let others see it, and since someone saw it, how could it be kept secret, so it was completely normal for the news to spread.

Of course, the navies of various countries also had different attitudes towards the news coming from Italy. Some were scornful and dismissive, some were completely changed after hearing it, and some were bent on inquiring. But no matter what, all countries still need to think carefully about the emergence of a unique new battleship in Italy.

After all, although the total tonnage of Italy's navy is not outstanding, the quality of its warships is not bad. Especially in the past two decades, the warships built by Italy can be regarded as leading the trend of naval shipbuilding.

Of course, no matter what other countries think, this is a good time for the Italian Navy.

In Rome, the discussion about this epoch-making warship is not over yet.

"The test results of the Dauntless are still continuing, but judging from the current test results, this battleship designed by Viscount Cuniberti is very good. It is much better than our country's latest Genoa-class battleship. Comprehensive comparison If so, the combat effectiveness is at least 90% higher. Of course, the cost of the Dreadnought is 85% higher than that of the Genoa class. However, the appearance of the Dreadnought in general indicates that warships that are not built according to its model are already behind the times. "

A naval officer explained the epoch-making nature of the Dreadnought battleship to everyone present in the conference hall. The lowest number of people here who were listening to his speech were cabinet ministers, not to mention the respected king who was right in front of him listening to his explanation. In addition, he also knew that this meeting was related to the future of the navy, so even the speaking officer, who was considered calm and composed in the navy, felt a little wet on his back.

"Aren't those three Genoa-class battleships newly commissioned by the Navy? Are they considered behind the times?"

At this time, a minister pointed out a question in the officer's mouth.

The minister who spoke didn't need to be recognized by everyone present. This was the Minister of Finance, His Excellency Tejela. Anyone familiar with the chancellor knows that the chancellor is very sensitive when it comes to the need for additional spending.

"Yes, at least among the main battleships, the three Genoa-class ships that our country has just put into service are already outdated, but the same is true for the battleships of other countries. It can be said that this battleship will bring all navies to the same starting line."

Confronted with the Chancellor's words, the naval officer answered truthfully. However, he also cleverly used a little trick to bring other countries in, so that the comparison would be much better than that of the Italian Navy.

"At present, our country's navy has very heavy tasks. In addition to ensuring our country's interests in the Mediterranean, the interests of East Africa, Southeast Asia and even East Asia also require the presence of the navy."

No one has any doubts about this sentence, because Italy does have very important overseas interests in addition to the Mediterranean.

The circular trade route between mainland China, Borneo, and East Africa alone brings hundreds of millions of lire in revenue to the Italian government every year. In this case, it is indeed very difficult for the navy to fight against pirates to show Italy's strength and maintain trade lines. Not to mention safeguarding the interests of the Mediterranean, the navy is the first choice of the Kingdom of Italy.

Currently, Britain and France, the main threats to Italy, have strong navies in the Mediterranean. The French navy has 69 combat warships in the Mediterranean, with a total tonnage of 190,000 tons. The British Empire is smaller, with 47 battleships with a total tonnage of 160,000 tons. As for Italy, it has 91 warships with a total tonnage of 270,000 tons.

Doesn’t it seem like Italy is on a higher level than England and France?

Don't think too much, because 90% of Italy's naval warships are in the Mediterranean, while Britain and France have other sea areas besides the Mediterranean. Among other things, the number and total tonnage of French warships on the side facing the Atlantic is much higher than that in the Mediterranean. As for the British Empire, let alone that.

It can be said that it seems that the Italian Navy has the advantage in the Mediterranean, but in fact the Italian Navy is at a disadvantage in the Mediterranean.

Being able to compete with the French Navy is also thanks to the security needs it faces on both sides of the Mediterranean and the Atlantic. Otherwise, the pressure on the Italian Navy will be greater.

Of course, all the important ministers and even the monarch present knew that the navy was not easy. After all, there was no terrain on the sea to rely on. Unlike land, although it borders France, the tall Alps allow the two countries to have only a limited number of roads that can be used for military purposes. As long as these roads are guarded, they can make the other side sigh. Therefore, naval construction is necessary. After all, the Italian coastline is too long. Apart from the British Empire, the Italian coastline belongs to Italy, so the pressure on Italian coastal defense is not small.

If the important ministers present did not know this, they would not have agreed to the king's plan to expand the navy. You must know that Italy is not financially wealthy, and supporting the expansion of the navy is just money dug out of the teeth.

"So how large a new fleet is the Navy planning to build?" The question came from the Minister of Finance again.

Facing the Finance Minister's inquiry, the Navy Minister on the side immediately took over the words before the officer could speak. "According to our navy's analysis of the future situation, our navy will need at least 15 new battleships, 6 new battlecruisers, 26 new cruisers, 80 new destroyers, and 60 other special auxiliary ships within ten years."

Upon hearing Admiral Yagir's words, Prime Minister Antonio immediately frowned. "Battlecruiser, what type of ship is this?"

No wonder the Prime Minister asked this. Although the government doesn't know much about the navy, it still knows the basic types of battleships. I have never heard of this battlecruiser.

Facing the Prime Minister's inquiry, the naval officer who introduced him quickly answered. "This is a newly designed warship by our chief naval ship designer, Viscount Cuniberti. It has the firepower of a battleship and the speed of a cruiser. It is mainly responsible for targeting the opponent's cruise ships and other warships. In addition, it can use high speed during the decisive battle. Carry out forced reconnaissance, and when necessary during war, it can also serve as a battle line engagement warship. It can serve as a cover when retreating. It is responsible for catching up and entangling the opponent during pursuit. Such as some combinations of heavy cavalry and light cavalry in the medieval era. Features, more outstanding troops.”

Sorry to keep everyone waiting. Make up, must make up