Chapter 0832: The Air Force

The Imperial Navy was reorganized into five fleets, each boasting relatively equivalent strength. The Home Fleet, comprised of eight capital ships armed with formidable 410mm guns, held a slight edge in power. Meanwhile, the Mediterranean and Indian Ocean fleets were each short by one battleship, making them marginally less formidable. Nonetheless, the overall capabilities of these fleets remained closely matched. 

As for the allocation of aircraft carriers, Qin Tian had yet to finalize a plan. With only six carriers in the German Navy's current arsenal, distributing them across all fleets would dilute their effectiveness. Instead, it was prudent to wait until the number of carriers increased significantly before making any assignments. By then, carrier groups could maintain substantial combat power. A single carrier offered limited strength, but pairing them into dual-carrier battle groups could exponentially enhance their operational capacity. Qin Tian envisioned that fleet distribution would only occur once the German Navy possessed at least twelve aircraft carriers. 

Fortunately, large-scale naval battles were unlikely in the immediate future, granting the German Navy ample time for preparation. With Germany's robust industrial and economic base, the fleet's strength was expected to be formidable by the time war erupted. This readiness would empower Germany to achieve victory across various theaters. 

For example, in the Atlantic, the Home Fleet and Atlantic Fleet could join forces against American and British forces, with the Mediterranean Fleet potentially reinforcing Atlantic operations. Meanwhile, the Pacific and Indian Ocean fleets could collaborate to counter the Japanese and American navies. Their combined might would secure a decisive advantage in the Pacific theater. 

Regarding the selection of commanders and chiefs of staff for each fleet, Qin Tian left the positions temporarily vacant. As the five-fleet reform was still in its nascent stage, there was ample time for adjustments and refinements before its formal implementation. 

The naval commanders and officers strongly supported the reforms, recognizing that these changes not only bolstered the Navy's strength but also provided opportunities for greater personal advancement and higher ranks. 

"And now, we turn to the Imperial Air Force!" Qin Tian announced. "From this moment, the Imperial Army Air Corps will be restructured into the Imperial Air Force. General Sekt will serve as its Commander-in-Chief." 

"Yes, Your Majesty!" Lieutenant General Sekt replied, his face brimming with excitement. He had long awaited this day, and being appointed to lead a new military branch was an unparalleled honor. While he had yet to receive a promotion, Sekt was confident that a promotion to full general, and even the possibility of becoming Marshal and Air Force Minister, lay within reach. The mere thought ignited an uncontainable ambition in his heart. 

"Although the Imperial Air Force is in its infancy, my expectations are immense. In the wars of the future, the Air Force will undoubtedly become a decisive force. Control of the skies will determine battlefield dominance and ultimately, the outcome of the war," Qin Tian declared. 

While achieving such a vision was still a distant goal, the potential for the Air Force to evolve was undeniable. The aircraft currently in service fell short of Qin Tian's expectations, but with technological advancements, more sophisticated models would emerge, significantly enhancing the Air Force's combat capabilities. 

"Yes, Your Majesty. I will give it my all!" General Sekt vowed. Though he might have harbored doubts about the Air Force's potential as a decisive force, Qin Tian's unwavering faith inspired him to pursue this goal with utmost dedication. 

"At present, the Imperial Air Force consists of 12 aviation wings—six fighter wings and six bomber wings. While this seems substantial, it is far from sufficient for a truly powerful Air Force. Over the next decade, I expect the Air Force to expand to 20 fighter wings and 12 bomber wings, with at least four of the latter composed of long-range heavy bombers," Qin Tian elaborated. 

"Long-range heavy bombers?" General Sekt inquired, hearing the term for the first time. 

"Yes, long-range heavy bombers," Qin Tian affirmed. "Currently, our bombers can only strike targets within 300 kilometers, a range far too limited. Many of Germany's adversaries have vast territories, or require crossing extensive oceans to reach. Therefore, we must develop bombers capable of attacking targets at least 1,000 kilometers away, if not farther. These aircraft should also boast significantly increased payloads. Imagine hundreds—or even more—of these bombers devastating the enemy's strategic depth or reducing critical cities to rubble. Such operations would wreak havoc on the enemy's war potential, paving the way for our ultimate victory." 

General Sekt's eyes gleamed with newfound determination. Qin Tian's vision had revealed an entirely new mode of warfare. He was now eager to transform this vision into reality, envisioning fleets of long-range heavy bombers obliterating enemy cities and crippling their ability to wage war. 

"Your Majesty, from this moment, the Imperial Air Force will prioritize investment in advanced aircraft. We will accelerate the development of superior fighters and bombers, and swiftly introduce long-range heavy bombers into service," General Sekt vowed. 

Qin Tian nodded, confident in General Sekt's ability to meet these demands. 

The Army and Navy officers present were equally astounded by Qin Tian's vision. Although they had previously regarded the Air Force as a fledgling branch, its potential for strategic bombing demonstrated a profound capacity to influence warfare. Qin Tian's assertions were by no means exaggerated.