Babylonian Empire

Page 724

Because a warship is not a car, and it can be built. Iraq’s self-produced missile boats also take one to two years, and this kind of large warship also needs three years in the Soviet Union, which is mainly engaged in military production. Time, such as the first ship of the Type 1155 Dreadnought class, Dreadnought, started construction in 1977, launched in February 1980, and entered service in November 2. The speed is already very fast.

Therefore, if Iraq places an order now, it will take three years, or at least eight or eight years, before it can be delivered. At that time, Iraq will definitely need to operate in the Arabian Sea. On the ocean, it is absolutely impossible without large warships. Therefore, it is the right time for Iraq to order now.

If you put aside various factors, what Qusay would prefer to choose is actually the Glory-class cruiser, which is a conventionally powered version that is one size smaller than the Kirov-class nuclear-powered cruiser. It can provide a strong air defense capability for the entire formation, and the SS-N-12, a large long-range anti-ship missile, can be used to deal with aircraft carriers. Unfortunately, the cost is too high. Even if it is a conventional power version, Iraq is reluctant to take it out. US dollars to order, and the above weapons are too advanced, even if Gorbachev agrees, the Soviet Navy will collectively oppose it.

So, Qusay didn't ask for too much. He didn't ask for the Kirov class or the Glory class. He wanted the Modern class and the Dreadnought class. This can always be given, right?

Regarding the strategy of the Iraqi Navy, in fact, the two destroyers, together with the existing four frigates, will definitely not be able to meet the needs. However, there is a deep meaning in Qusay's ordering of these two warships.

In 3, the Iraqi Navy was able to receive these two warships on time, and the Iraqi naval personnel who had gone through a few years of advanced training could be familiar with the operation of these two warships, and at the same time cultivate a large number of qualified crew members. , Master the performance of these two warships.Moreover, electronic equipment can also be modified according to Iraq's own military industrial development, such as adding its own C[-]I system. After a few years, when Iraq has a sufficient foundation, the huge red empire may also collapse. At that time, several warships can be obtained at extremely low prices, and the Iraqi Navy will show a blowout growth process.

Now, many warships built by the Soviet Union are prepared for the Iraqi Navy. By then, the weakened polar bears will no longer be able to support such a large navy. It is inevitable to "eliminate" some warships.

Train good people now, and when the time comes, receive them in large quantities!

This is just the thought in Qusay's heart, even the high-level navy, he has not disclosed it, this is just a general idea, and it will be further deepened when it is gradually realized in the future.

"These two kinds of warships are too big. Your navy directly imports this 4000-ton warship. It's a bit too big. I'm afraid it's inconvenient for you to operate. I suggest that you can change a warship, for example, The [-]-ton Cassin class is a warship that uses gas turbines, and it should be more suitable for the Iraqi Navy. We are now building it for the Indian Navy, and its performance is very good." Sergey said.

Cassin class?Please don't fool us the way you fool Indians!Qusay thought to himself.

The Cassin class has many firsts, the first destroyer specially designed to carry anti-aircraft missiles, the first warship to use gas turbines, but this is only a warship designed in the 60s, which is already far behind, and the anti-ship missiles used , or the classic Styx, only Ah San would be fooled into buying this kind of warship at a high price.

"No, we not only need these two large warships, we also need larger warships." Qusay vetoed Sergey's proposal, saying: "In addition to these two warships, we also need to order a heavy-duty warship." Carrier cruiser."

Chapter 872 Heavy Aircraft Cruiser

Heavy-duty aircraft-carrying cruiser, this is what the Soviet Union called it. At the beginning of the Kiev class, the front end was still like a cruiser, especially the powerful anti-ship missiles. , then it has completely got rid of the cruiser style, the style of the inclined deck and the jump deck, which is completely typical of a modern aircraft carrier, but the Soviet Union also called it a heavy aircraft carrier cruiser.

Because, under the front deck of the Brerì Nev, there are still huge SS-N-19 anti-ship missiles, and the method of leaping over the deck is only used to take off the fixed-wing aircraft.

The previous generation used the Yak-38 vertical take-off and landing aircraft, so there was no need for a runway. However, after replacing it with the Su-27K and MiG-29K, the runway was needed for take-off. The front deck must be vacated for The warplane takes off.

From the perspective of the number and power of the aircraft it carries, it is still similar to an aircraft carrier in the traditional sense, but the Soviet Union has always believed that an aircraft carrier is a tool of hegemony, so it is called a heavy aircraft-carrying cruiser, which can satisfy the Soviet Union's nominal sense of justice.

Now, the first third-generation heavy-duty aircraft-carrying cruiser, Brerì Nev, is about to launch, and on the dock next to No. 0 slipway, a newly built platform with an area of ​​1.8 square meters, the second ship The 24 super-large total sections of the Riga heavy-duty aircraft cruiser (most of them are 32 meters long, 38 meters wide, about 13 meters high, and weigh about 1400 tons) have been assembled on the platform next to the dock, just waiting for Bole After the RìNev was launched, the No. 0 dock was vacated, and two Finnish cranes and dozens of gantry cranes worked together to move these general sections into the dock to quickly weld out the second warship.The Soviet Union has fallen behind in this regard, and they are catching up with the trend of the United States. Such construction can be shorter than the construction period of the US aircraft carrier.

Hearing that Qusay wants to order a heavy-duty aircraft cruiser, I am afraid that no one would think that Qusay will order the Kiev class. Can cruisers be exported to Iraq?That is absolutely impossible!Even the second-generation Kiev class is almost impossible, because these are the magic weapons of the Soviet Union.

"I wonder what kind of heavy-duty aircraft-carrying cruiser Iraq needs?" Gorbachev asked.

"With a displacement of more than [-] tons, there is no need to install a large number of weapons, no anti-ship missiles, only short-range point-shaped anti-aircraft missiles. The form, the hangar below, is mainly used to equip fixed-wing jets," Qusay said.

Hearing Qusay's words, the first thing that Sergey thought of was that the smaller 1147.7 heavy-duty aircraft cruiser was approved last year, the Ulyanovsk aircraft carrier, the Soviet Union, and the most advanced aircraft carrier. The aircraft carrier that has not entered service is sold to Iraq?If it wasn't the Soviet Union that was crazy, it was Qusay that was crazy.

When Qusay said these words, not only the Soviets were surprised, but even the people in Iraq were also surprised. Before coming, they only agreed to buy a modern-class and a dreadnought-class plan, these two warships, Although they predicted that the cost would be around US$90 million to US$[-] million, but in the tone of the Soviets, I am afraid that there is no US$[-] million that cannot be won. The currency value at the end) plus the purchase of anti-ship missiles, anti-aircraft missiles and other ammunition, I am afraid that the contract value will be around [-] million US dollars.

Adding in the 11 million US dollars for satellite navigation, 30 billion US dollars is already a big amount. Now, President Qusay has actually proposed an aircraft carrier. After this ship is built, I am afraid that it will not be enough without [-] billion US dollars. Can the matching carrier-based aircraft be supported in Iraq now?

President Qusay is like a nouveau riche. He finally exported oil and made a fortune selling weapons this year. Is he going to lose all his money?

Besides, are the Soviets willing to sell it?

"We don't have a matching carrier-based aircraft yet, and the Su-27 is still being tested, and it is still far away from the equipment." Sergey said, he didn't know what to say. Surprised, he thought of using this Reason prevarication.

"Isn't the Su-25 already developing a carrier-based version? Our Iraqi air force is also equipped with the Su-25, and we are very satisfied with this aircraft. If we can use this carrier-based aircraft on our aircraft carrier, we will also Very good," Qusay said.

Now, the Soviet Union is not even willing to sell the Su-27, let alone the Su-27K carrier-based aircraft. For this, Kusai is mentally prepared to use the Su-25 first. You know, this kind of aircraft is on the Soviet aircraft carrier. , but it is used as the main trainer aircraft, and it is the most precious thing to be able to train pilots of aircraft carrier-based aircraft.

Qusay remembers very clearly that in the precarious situation, Ukraine and Russia launched a fierce struggle over the ownership of the Kuznetsov aircraft carrier. As a result, under the escort of the deputy commander of the Russian Navy, the aircraft carrier was driven away by Russian sailors, but However, the carrier-based aircraft remained in Ukraine.

"The research and development of this kind of carrier-based aircraft is also in progress, and it has not been finalized yet." Sergey said: "Besides, even if we provide you with such a heavy-duty aircraft-based cruiser, your side will not have any such heavy-duty aircraft within a few years. Sufficient capacity to maintain and maintain this warship, your navy lacks a large number of skilled personnel in this area, such an aircraft-carrying cruiser requires thousands of sailors, and I am afraid that the total navy of Iraq does not have so many people?"

Wishful thinking, the construction of the navy is definitely not achieved overnight. If you want to buy an aircraft carrier, you can dominate the Middle East?You don't even have enough staff!When Sergey said this, there was still a hint of mockery on his mouth.The development of the Soviet Navy to the present, decades of history, has reached the present level.

Moreover, Iraq only has one Hyundai-class and one Dreadnought-class. If you want to use these two warships, plus the few frigates that Iraq itself owns, it is simply impossible to protect the safety of the aircraft carrier. At least one similar to the Glorious The air defense of the first class is complete, and the escort of large warships that can cope with saturation attacks is enough. Moreover, it is even necessary to have attacking nuclear submarines to open the way underwater. Due to Iraq's geographical environment, it only has a near-shore navy, and there is no theory and practice of ocean warfare at all. Although it is very lively in the Persian Gulf, Qusay's clumsy vision is in front of the world's second largest Soviet navy. , or not even an apprentice.

Thinking of this, Sergey didn't feel too much panic about Iraq's purchase of the Modern and Dreadnought. At best, it seemed like an upstart with money in his pocket wanted to buy a machine gun to protect himself, but he didn't know I don't know how to use this machine gun, and I don't know how to run around with a machine gun. In fact, it is better to buy a pistol and tuck it in the waistband.

"So, we have another request, hoping that the Soviet Union can send a large number of naval instructors to help our naval personnel master the operation of these warships, especially large aircraft-carrying cruisers." Qu Sai said.

Although the Iraqi Navy has trained some personnel, it must still have a lot of experience to learn from the equipment imported from the Soviet Union. Hiring personnel from the Soviet Union is a way to grow rapidly. Although the third generation of the Soviet Union The construction of heavy-duty aircraft-carrying cruisers has just begun, but the Soviet Union already has rich experience in flying large-deck aviation, which Iraq lacks. Therefore, Iraq must hire a large number of Soviet personnel.

Hearing this, Sergey's eyelids suddenly twitched, and he keenly felt that this is a very good opportunity!

"President Qusay, you have just arrived in Moscow today, and now you have been talking for so long, I think we will stop here today!" Gorbachev said.

It is impossible to agree immediately, so Gorbachev proposed to rest, and they need to discuss countermeasures.

"Okay," Qusay said, "I haven't been to Moscow for a long time, and I really want to see the night view here."

The Iraqi personnel were sent away, and heated discussions finally started among these high-level Soviet people. Moreover, after hearing the news, Gromyko also rushed over.

Iraq threw the largest military purchase project in history to the Soviet Union. Originally, Gorbachev thought that absorbing Iraq's investment in satellite navigation would be very good. Unexpectedly, compared to now, it is just a child's play .

Two large warships, plus an aircraft carrier, supporting carrier-based aircraft and other equipment, plus the possibility that the Soviet Union will help Iraq expand its docks and train Iraqi naval personnel. All of these will definitely bring in 50 billion US dollars. If the Soviet Union asks for a higher price, I am afraid that it will have 100 billion U.S. dollars.

After all, only the United States and the Soviet Union can build an aircraft carrier with a displacement of [-] to [-] tons. The United States will not sell it. Since the Soviet Union is the only one, Iraq has to give whatever the Soviet Union wants.

The simplest thing is, if such a ship is built for Iraq, then the Soviet Navy will not have to ask the government for money. The Soviet Union will have all the funds for the development of new aircraft carriers. The 1147.7 nuclear-powered heavy-duty carrier aircraft approved last year The initial development funds for the cruiser are all there.

In the current Soviet Union, money is everywhere. If Gorbachev can completely decide, he will agree without hesitation. However, he cannot ignore the reaction of his most powerful army, especially the Red Navy. When building an aircraft carrier for the Red Navy at the same time, build one for Iraq, which will arouse strong opposition from the Red Navy.

Chapter 873 Controlling the Iraqi Navy

Gorbachev was only thinking about economics. If the arms sale with Iraq can be concluded, then the military will have fewer mouths to ask for payment. That is absolutely impossible, the Soviet Union cannot sell everything, otherwise, those old guys will definitely jump out and call him a traitor.

Although Gorbachev has become the general secretary, he feels that this family is not so easy to be. There is still a force inside the Soviet Union that he dare not touch at all.

The development of the Soviet Union's military industry was to counter the Western world, especially the United States. This was the policy that the Soviet Union had followed since its establishment. Even during World War II, the Soviet Union did not completely cooperate with the United States.

Therefore, the sale of weapons can only be carried out without harming the interests of the Soviet Union. Now, is it in the interests of the Soviet Union to sell advanced warships to Iraq?Is it in the interests of the Soviet Union to strengthen the strength of the Iraqi navy?

All these judgments must be drawn from the analysis of several of them.

"We must carefully consider this matter." Gromyko said, he has been a diplomat for many years, and his mind is very clear: "Our construction of heavy-duty aircraft-carrying cruisers has already made the Western world strongly dissatisfied. If we build for Iraq, it is very difficult for us to judge how the West will react."

Although the Soviet Union has never been afraid of the West, the Soviet Union has begun to borrow heavily from the West. If the West does not lend money to the Soviet Union, the Soviet Union will not even have enough funds to buy food.

"Sergey, what do you think?" Gorbachev asked. He had already keenly noticed that when Qusay proposed to buy this kind of warship, there was some kind of excitement in Sergey's eyes.

"I think this is a very good opportunity." Sergey said: "It is a very good opportunity for us to enter the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean."

Having said that, all the people gathered their spirits and listened attentively to Sergey's words.

Because Sergey's words are too tempting. The Soviet Union has always hoped that it can go south and expand its power to the Indian Ocean.

The Soviet Union did not hesitate to risk the opposition of the whole world and launched a war against Afghanistan for this purpose. Although it put a heavy economic burden on the Soviet Union, and although Gorbachev himself wanted to withdraw the army from Afghanistan, but, It was a major matter related to the interests of the Soviet Union, and he had to carefully consider the feelings of all the top Soviet leaders.