Chapter 0832: The Air Force

The Imperial Navy was divided into five fleets, each possessing roughly equivalent strength. The Home Fleet, designed with eight capital ships equipped with 410 mm main guns, stood out as slightly more formidable. The Mediterranean and Indian Ocean Fleets, each with one fewer capital ship, were marginally less powerful. Overall, however, the capabilities of these fleets were well-balanced. 

As for the allocation of aircraft carriers, QinTian had yet to finalize a plan. With only six carriers currently in the German Navy, distributing them evenly among the fleets would dilute their effectiveness. A more strategic allocation would be considered once the navy expanded its carrier fleet. This approach aimed to preserve their combat power, as a single carrier offered limited capabilities, whereas a dual-carrier battle group could deliver exponentially greater impact. Thus, no distribution would occur until at least 12 aircraft carriers were in service. 

Fortunately, the likelihood of large-scale naval engagements breaking out soon remained low, granting the German Navy ample time to prepare. With Germany's industrial and economic foundation, its fleets were expected to be extraordinarily powerful by the time war erupted. This strength would enable Germany to claim victories across multiple theaters of war. 

For instance, in the Atlantic, the Home Fleet and the Atlantic Fleet could join forces to confront the Americans and British. Even the Mediterranean Fleet could support operations in the Atlantic if necessary. Meanwhile, the Pacific and Indian Ocean Fleets could combine to face off against the Japanese and American navies. Together, these two fleets would wield significant advantages against the Japanese Navy. 

Regarding the selection of commanders and chiefs of staff for these fleets, QinTian had left the positions vacant for now. The reorganization of the navy into five fleets was still in its initial stages, leaving ample room for adjustments and refinements. 

The Imperial Navy's officers unanimously supported these reforms, recognizing that they would not only bolster Germany's maritime strength but also create opportunities for individuals to rise to higher ranks. 

"And now, for the Imperial Air Force! From this moment, the Army Air Corps will be reorganized into the Imperial Air Force. General Seeckt will serve as its first Commander-in-Chief!" QinTian declared. 

"Yes, Your Majesty!" General Seeckt responded, his face alight with excitement. He had long awaited this day. Becoming the commander of a newly established military branch was an unparalleled honor. Although his promotion had not yet been formalized, he was confident it was only a matter of time before he rose to the rank of general and perhaps even marshal, eventually assuming the role of Minister of the Air Force. The prospect filled his heart with fervent anticipation. 

"Although the Imperial Air Force is in its infancy, I have high hopes for its future. I believe it will become a decisive force in future conflicts. Control of the skies will dictate control of the battlefield and, ultimately, victory in war," QinTian continued. 

To realize this vision, however, the air force had a long road ahead. The current fleet of aircraft fell far short of QinTian's aspirations. Yet technological advancements would inevitably lead to the development of more sophisticated planes, significantly enhancing the air force's capabilities. 

"Yes, Your Majesty! I will do everything in my power!" General Seeckt vowed. Although even he struggled to fully grasp QinTian's assertion that the air force would become the dominant force in warfare, the emperor's expectations inspired him to strive relentlessly toward that goal. 

"Currently, the Imperial Air Force comprises 12 air wings—six fighter wings and six bomber wings. While this may seem substantial, it is far from sufficient to forge a truly formidable force. Within the next decade, I expect the air force to expand to 20 fighter wings and 12 bomber wings, including no fewer than four heavy bomber wings," QinTian stated. 

"Long-range heavy bombers?" General Seeckt asked, encountering the term for the first time. 

"Precisely. The bombers we currently possess can only strike targets within a radius of 300 kilometers, which is woefully inadequate. Many of Germany's adversaries occupy vast territories or lie across immense oceans. To engage such enemies, we must develop heavy bombers with an operational range of at least 1,000 kilometers, preferably more, and dramatically increased payload capacity. Imagine the devastation we could unleash by sending hundreds of such bombers to attack the enemy's strategic depth or obliterate their key cities. The destruction would be unparalleled," QinTian explained. 

General Seeckt's eyes sparkled with excitement. This bold vision opened an entirely new avenue of warfare. The concept of obliterating enemy cities with waves of long-range bombers was groundbreaking and promised to deal catastrophic blows to enemy capabilities, paving the way for decisive victories. 

"Your Majesty, the Imperial Air Force will allocate greater resources to the development of advanced aircraft. We will expedite the creation of more sophisticated fighters and bombers, including long-range heavy bombers," General Seeckt pledged. 

QinTian nodded, confident in General Seeckt's ability to execute these plans. 

The commanders of the army and navy were equally astonished by QinTian's vision. Initially, they had regarded the air force as little more than a fledgling branch. However, if strategic bombing could deliver such overwhelming results, the air force's role in warfare would undoubtedly become pivotal. QinTian's predictions were anything but exaggerated.