When Neiji Okamura's telegram arrived at the Japanese base camp, everyone was not in a good mood. They never thought that one day, they would actually fall behind in air supremacy.
"Don't worry, it will be fine when our new fighter planes are put into service and produced." Sugiyama Gen said immediately. The new fighter plane he was talking about was the Type Zero that wreaked havoc in the late World War II. The Type Zero was finalized when it was released in April 1939.
It has been tested many times and is still being improved. However, in history, the real successful test flight of the Zero was July 15, 1940, which is almost a year away from now.
"Urge us again. We must step up research and development and production. Otherwise, we will be at a huge disadvantage on the China battlefield." Kiichiro Hiranuma said calmly, "Because of the problem of air supremacy, our attack is now blocked. The plan may have to be
Temporarily stranded.”
Everyone stopped talking. Indeed, in the later stages, air superiority became more important. Especially, as the attacking party, they had no fortifications for defense.
"Hi."
…
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
"I received another telegram from the military today." A middle-aged man in work clothes said, "We are asked to step up the development of new fighters and put them into use as soon as possible after passing test flights."
"Did you suffer a setback on the battlefield in China?" Another person said with a faint smile, "They will come to ask us for help at this time."
"In the past, on the battlefield in China, they had smooth sailing and were invincible. But things are different now. The previously planned attack on Nanchang was blocked. They were unable to gain air supremacy, and as the attacker, they had no fortifications as cover, resulting in heavy casualties.
It’s no different than sending yourself to death.”
"I don't care about this, but they have such high requirements for the new fighter planes and they want us to hurry up, haha."
"Well, it all needs to be developed after all. What's the data from the previous test flights?"
"It still doesn't meet the requirements, but it's being improved."
"Wakarimashida."
…
Chongqing
"I didn't expect that they blocked it." Lao Jiang looked complicated. It was obvious that the power controlled by the independent division had gradually increased, and it was even beyond his control. But he actually had no reason to say this, because
He has not paid military salaries to the Independent Division for a long time, and the Independent Division is even responsible for its own equipment, let alone the air force and navy. Sending Zhou Zhirou and Chen Jiliang there is already his limit.
"Yes, and the Japanese suffered quite a lot of losses. The Japanese do not have an airport in Nanchang. By the time the plane took off from Wuhan, the Japanese soldiers had already been beaten." Dai Li said with a smile, "Besides, the Japanese were the attacking party.
, there is no fortification to hide.”
"At this time, they have to know that the independent division is a tough nut to crack. It is estimated that the Japanese will change their goals by then." Lao Jiang sneered. The Japanese have played this trick many times.
"We can still let the independent division's air force fight when the time comes." Dai Li said.
"It's just that there is no advantage in distance." Lao Jiang sighed, "Tell Cixiu and the others to prepare their defenses well."
"yes!"
…
laiyang
After Zhou Weiguo received the telegram, he also smiled. The Japanese were obviously cowarded. It is difficult to fight this battle without air control. However, there are still casualties on our side. After thinking about it, he said to Li Weimin, "Weimin
, has the development of the previous textile factory project been completed?"
"Not yet." Li Weimin shook his head, "There is a simple one, just two iron plates or something, but it is very uncomfortable to wear on the body, and it is impossible to march and fight."
Zhou Weiguo nodded, "If you pay more attention to this, as soon as possible, you can also reduce the casualties of the soldiers."
"Okay." Li Weimin nodded, "Also, our arsenal has now developed a new machine gun production line."
Zhou Weiguo raised his eyebrows, "When did it happen?"
"It's just been completed in the past few days." Li Weimin said with a smile, "The main reason is that a lot of manpower has been added recently. There are indeed many foreigners who are capable."
Zhou Weiguo smiled, "That's natural, let them stop getting guns first. Let's divide them into several groups first, for example, those who specialize in aircraft, those who specialize in battleships, those who specialize in tanks, and those who specialize in artillery."
"
"What are you doing?"
"Well, we have to develop in many aspects." Zhou Weiguo sighed, "I will prepare some information for them when the time comes." Relying on exchanging money from the system is not a long-term solution. You have to master the technology yourself.
"Okay." Li Weimin nodded, expressing understanding.
"I'm not worried about Nanchang right now. The Japanese have suffered such a loss and are always thinking about where to regain their position. I guess they will change their target." Zhou Weiguo said with a smile.
…
Japan, Kyoto.
"So, after a comprehensive analysis, on the premise that absolute air supremacy cannot be obtained, it is recommended not to attack Zhou Weiguo's independent division troops for now." Hiranuma Kiichiro said to Emperor Showa.
Emperor Showa looked very unhappy. He had prepared an attack for more than half a month, but was actually hindered by air supremacy. On the Chinese battlefield, they clearly had all the advantages, but they suddenly turned into a disadvantage. "You mean, if the new fighter can
If we gain absolute air superiority, then it is still necessary for us to attack. However, if the new fighters still cannot defeat the independent division's fighters, then there is no need for us to attack, right?"
Hiranuma Kiichiro listened to Emperor Showa's words and knew that the emperor was very angry, but as the prime minister and an old man in his 80s, Hiranuma Kiichiro could not say anything to comfort him, so he could only nodded and said, "Yes."
"Baga! The new fighter jet has been developed since the year before last. How long has it been now? It's been almost two years, right? How long will it take? How long will it take until it is equipped with troops?" The emperor threw the cup, and the good porcelain cup was there.
The ground shattered.
"Smithson." Hiranuma Kiichiro sighed, "Your Majesty, I will take the blame for this loss and resign."
Emperor Showa looked at Hiranuma Kiichiro in front of him and could hardly believe his ears. You must know that Hiranuma Kiichiro has always been his loyal supporter. Although he is already old, his talent, vision and qualifications are still there, so he can suppress him.
There are other people in the cabinet, but now, his loyal supporter is actually resigning. After a long silence, Emperor Showa nodded and said, "I understand. Do you have any recommendations for future candidates?"
"Nobuyuki Abe." Hiranuma Kiichiro said, "This is also recommended by Saionji Konobo, Konoe Fumimaro, Hirota Koki, Ugaki Kazunari and others."
"It seems that you have been planning for a long time." Emperor Showa felt a little sad, then waved his hand and said, "That's it, just as you said."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
"Good handover, everything is arranged."
"Hi."
On August 30, 1939, Nobuyuki Abe became the 36th Prime Minister of Japan.