In the second half of 1903, the navies of various European countries received news that Italy had secretly built an epoch-making warship. It had four twin-mounted main guns of more than 300 mm. In addition, it ran extremely fast and had at least 21
It has a speed of knots. 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 hiding 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 routes also need to pass through.
Here. So after the sea trial of the Intrepid, it was impossible not to let others see it, and since someone saw it, how could it be kept secret, so it is completely normal for the news to spread.
Of course, the navies of various countries also have different attitudes towards the news coming from Italy. Some are scornful and dismissive, some are completely changed after hearing it, and some are bent on inquiring. But in any case, there is a unique ship in Italy.
All countries still need to think carefully about the new battleships.
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 the latest Genoa-class battleship in our country. Comprehensive comparison
If so, the combat effectiveness is at least 90% higher. Of course, the cost of the Dreadnought is also 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 was in the conference hall, explaining the epoch-making nature of the Dreadnought battleship to everyone present. The lowest number of people listening to his speech were cabinet ministers, not to mention the respected king who was listening right in front of him.
In addition to his explanation, he also knew that this meeting was related to the overall 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 from the officer's mouth.
Everyone present knows the minister who spoke. This is the Minister of Finance, His Excellency Tejela. Everyone who is familiar with this minister knows that this minister of finance 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."
When faced with the words of the Finance Minister, the naval officer answered truthfully. However, he also cleverly used a little trick to bring other countries in, which compared with 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 besides the Mediterranean.
The circular trade route in the mainland, Borneo, and East Africa alone brings hundreds of millions of lire in revenue to the Italian government every year. Under such circumstances, it is indeed very hard for the navy to demonstrate Italy's strength in combating piracy and maintaining trade routes. Not to mention safeguarding the interests of the Mediterranean.
Well, 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 has fewer warships, with 47 warships, 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 about it, because 90% of Italy's naval warships are in the Mediterranean, and Britain and France have other sea areas besides the Mediterranean. Among other things, the number and total tonnage of France's 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 would be even greater.
Of course, all the important ministers and even the monarchs present knew that it was not easy for the navy. After all, there was no terrain to rely on on the sea. Unlike land, although it borders France, the tall Alps gave the two countries only a limited number of roads that could be used for military purposes.
If you keep these important roads well, you will be able to scare the enemy away. Therefore, large-scale 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 high.
Small.
If the important ministers present did not know this, how could they agree 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 Chancellor of Finance again.
Facing the Finance Minister's inquiry, before the officer could speak, the Navy Minister on the side immediately took over and said. "According to our navy's analysis of the future situation, our navy will need at least 15 new battleships and 6 new battleships within ten years."
There are 26 new battlecruisers, 26 new cruisers, 80 new destroyers, and 60 other special auxiliary ships."
Upon hearing Admiral Yagir's words, Prime Minister Antonio immediately frowned and said, "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. It has never heard of this battlecruiser.
Faced with the Prime Minister's inquiry, the naval officer who introduced him quickly responded. "This is a newly designed battleship 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
Target the opponent's patrol and other warships. In addition, during the decisive battle, you can
It can carry out forcible reconnaissance at high speeds. If necessary during war, it can also serve as a battle line battleship. It can serve as a cover when retreating. It is responsible for catching up and entangling the opponent during pursuit. For example, in the medieval era, it combined heavy cavalry and light cavalry.
Some of the characteristics between them make it a more outstanding military unit."
