79: Supercarrier
After hanging up the phone, Xu Ning immediately took out the secret contact number he had previously gotten from General Manager Zhang Jianxia and called the other party to ask for leave, explaining he had an urgent matter to handle and might arrive later.
General Manager Zhang Jianxia agreed without hesitation; after all, as Chairman Xu of Shanhai Industry, being busy was normal.
The next day arrived quickly, and Xu Ning stood by the phone, anxiously awaiting news from Uncle Chao.
However, the phone never rang.
Without Uncle Chao's support, this operation would likely be very difficult.
Were they still discussing it?
Just then, there was a knock on the door.
It was Tang Ziwei, holding two letters.
“Young man, here are two letters for you, one from the Irako Embassy, and the other…” He scratched his head, saying with some confusion, “This one says it’s from Shijiazhuang? Do you know anyone there?”
Xu Ning looked confused; he didn't remember having any friends there.
He didn't need to open the letter from the Irako Embassy to know what was inside; it was the data on Eagle Country casualties that he had requested from Ambassador Hassan.
But what was the deal with the letter from Shijiazhuang?
He looked at the address on the envelope.
Although it was in chinese, the handwriting was shaky and crooked, like a child's.
“Shijiazhuang... Army... Military Academy?”
After a moment of hesitation, he still opened the envelope, and when he saw the Aka text inside, a look of sudden realization appeared on his face.
This letter was originally sent by the former Lieutenant General Majid, no wonder the chinese outside looked a bit awkward; he must have practiced writing it himself.
The message in the letter was simple, mainly stating that he had safely arrived in China and had, as he wished, entered the “Shijiazhuang Army Military Academy” for further study, which he had long yearned for.
He also hoped for an opportunity to meet again and exchange knowledge.
His contact information was left at the end of the letter.
Perhaps Ambassador Hassan told him my address.
But that wasn't the most important part.
Xu Ning looked at the handwriting on the letter paper repeatedly, still finding it hard to believe.
He had originally thought Majid was just saying it casually, but he didn't expect him to actually come to China.
What surprised him even more was that the other party had even taken the initiative to write him a letter.
It seems his past actions had a significant impact on him.
In fact, how could Majid be the only one influenced by him?
At this moment, Xu Ning thought of something, and an expression of excitement appeared on his face.
Most of Iraq's weapons came from Russia, and with Majid's rank, he likely knew many high-ranking Russian officials!
Since the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the relationship between China and Russia had gradually improved, but in the current geopolitical landscape, direct contact between China and Russia was not particularly extensive.
He had been struggling with how to contact Russian military industrial enterprises; if he could get help from Majid, things would be much easier.
Thinking of this, Xu Ning immediately grabbed the satellite phone nearby and dialed the number from the letter.
After a while, the call connected, and an impatient voice came through: “Seriously, who is it? Don't you know today is the weekend?”
“Haha, General Majid, this is Xu Ning.”
The other end of the phone seemed to pause for a moment, then a hearty laugh came through: “Haha, you should call me General Majid now! Mr. Xu, how do you think I did practicing the chinese on the envelope?”
His tone was like a child showing off a new skill, and Xu Ning smiled somewhat awkwardly: “It's... it's not bad...”
Meanwhile, in a secret conference room in the capital, Xu Lao sat solemnly at the head of the conference table.
A large projection screen hung on the opposite wall.
The light from the projector displayed information about the aircraft carrier “Ulyanovsk”.
Chen Dongchao stood beside the screen, explaining in detail to everyone.
“This ‘Ulyanovsk’ is a super aircraft carrier designed for the great northern country.
It has a displacement of 80,000 to 90,000 tons, an estimated length of 320 meters, a width of about 75 meters, and can carry over 70 carrier-based aircraft.
This ship was built at the Nikolaev Shipyard, uses nuclear power, is equipped with advanced electronic equipment, radar, and weapon systems, and has an innovative island design that improves visibility and command efficiency.”
Chen Dongchao turned to Xu Lao and continued: “This aircraft carrier is of great significance to us; it can help us break through near-shore restrictions and strengthen our maritime blockade capability.
We are currently new to aircraft carrier technology, but if we can acquire it, our research and development process can be greatly accelerated.”
After Chen Dongchao finished speaking, he waited quietly for a response.
Xu Lao pondered for a moment and asked: “Is it really worth it to send him to acquire this aircraft carrier?”
“According to the latest intelligence, the northern great country's military strength is stable, the public is not buying into their declarations, and the leadership has not given support.
This change may end quickly, so the risk of the operation is smaller than expected.
At the same time, the news about Uto Male's intention to declare independence also confirms our previous judgment.
Intervening now is more advantageous than waiting until the situation is clear before taking action.”
Xu Lao tapped the table, thinking.
“So, you approve of this operation.
However, that aircraft carrier is not yet completed; is it worth us taking such a big risk?”
Chen Dongchao nodded and said: “I also considered this issue, but we have another option – there is also an aircraft carrier 'Varyag' inside the shipyard, with a displacement of about 65,000 tons.”
After speaking, Chen Dongchao operated the projector, and new information appeared on the screen.
[Aircraft carrier length approximately 304.5 meters]
[Aircraft carrier width approximately 37 meters]
[Can carry approximately 30 carrier-based aircraft]
Construction site: Nikolaev Shipyard
Looking at the data on the projection, a different expression appeared on Xu Lao's face.
He knew that no matter which aircraft carrier was chosen, it would mean significant progress for the country.
A thoughtful light flickered in Xu Lao's eyes; he was pensive.
Chen Dongchao continued: “Xu Lao, our options are not limited to aircraft carriers.”
After saying that, he clicked the remote control again.
Data for an Antonov an-124 heavy transport aircraft appeared on the screen.
[Fuselage length: 68.96 meters]
[Maximum takeoff weight approximately 405 tons]
[Maximum speed: 850 kilometers/hour]
[Cruising speed: 800 kilometers/hour]
[Maximum range: 12,000 kilometers]
[Maximum cargo capacity: 150 tons]
[Manufacturer: Antonov Design Bureau]
Following that was information about the Antonov an-225 giant transport aircraft.
[Fuselage length: 84 meters]
[Maximum takeoff weight approximately 600 tons]
[Maximum speed: 850 kilometers/hour]
[Cruising speed: 800 kilometers/hour]
[Maximum range: 15,400 kilometers]
[Maximum cargo capacity: 250 tons]
[Manufacturer: Antonov Design Bureau]
“Xu Lao, these two strategic transport aircraft are both from the Antonov Design Bureau,” Chen Dongchao said, “During the Gulf War, we witnessed firsthand the importance of air transport power.
And this design bureau... is in Uralan.”
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