Franco-Ashigawan Military Cooperation

[callmedelta]

"I'm sure we can give you a good show," Haar said. General Ranulf shot a glance out the window, using the scenery to gauge how far along they were.

"It looks like we're five minutes out from base," the General said, "Any other questions before we arrive?"

[aimway921]

"I believe any questions I might have right now you will better be able to answer as you give me a tour of the base and demonstrate your weaponry."

[callmedelta]

"Understood," Ranulf said. Once the trio was on base, the air was tense. Men and women just couldn't seem to sit still, those who weren't on duty at the time tapping their feet, shifting around, pacing, or some other nervous fidget. Any action would be on the Elenrian border, yet here they were, on the opposite side of the country. Too far away to help their brothers and sisters in arms. General Ranulf would lead his Ashigawan counterpart to the firing range, where a squad of 10 soldiers awaited, bowing when they saw General Yamakuchi.

[aimway921]

While they were getting to the range, Yamakuchi sent off his adjutant with an order. By the time Yamakuchi and the hosting party reached the range, the adjutant returned with 20 Ashigawan soldiers, all carrying a number of wooden crates. The crates would be stacked around a table, and the soldiers would stand at ease to the side of the range as they were done.

Yamakuchi would look at Ranulf. "Shall we begin the demonstrations?"

[callmedelta]

General Ranulf nodded to one of the ten soldiers, who then stepped forward. "Staff Sargent Latour, Sir!" Laurent said with a crisp salute. The man walked over to a nearby rack, first taking a pistol, holstering it, then picking up a rifle, before walking back. "This is the IM-1930, the main service rifle of the Franch Army. As the name says, it was designed in 1930, though it's heavily based on the Nevarran rifle from 1926. It holds ten rounds of 7.92x57 millimeter ammo, with a maximum range of 500 meters. The rifle as a whole is a reliable weapon, with the main improvements over the '26 she was based on being improvements to the bolt and internal magazine."

"Thank you, Staff Sargent." Ranulf said with a nod. "A perfectly adequate weapon," he remarked, "If we were fighting in the Fifth Staol War, that is. Continue."

Staff Sargent Latour held the rifle out, one of the soldiers stepping forward to take the rifle back to the rack, while another soldier stepped forward to take a machine gun from the rack, the first one taking the ammunition. Once the rifle was out of his land, Laurent drew the pistol from his holster. "This is the Marron Modèle 1911, Franerre's finest. She's a reliable self-loading pistol, with seven rounds of .45 ACP that will kill at 50 meters. 1911's are the standard equipment of officers, MG crews, and vehicle crew."

General Ranulf couldn't help but give off a small smile of pride as the Staff Sargent introduced the weapon. The MM-1911 was just about one of the only pieces in the Franch Army that wasn't up for replacement, and probably wouldn't be for a long time.

After the MM-1911, two two soldiers with the machine gun stepped forward. “This,” Latour explained, “Is the AM-1928. The machine gun is ran by a team of 2 or 3, one to carry and operate the gun itself, and the others to carry the ammunition. The ‘28 is chambered in the same 7.92x57 as the IM-1930, and puts out 450 rounds per minute. She has a maximum range of 1250 meters, comes with a bipod and 25 or 35 round magazines, or it can be belt fed. In addition, there’s also the newer AnNa-1940 model, an updated version made to fix some issues encountered during the Fifth Staol War. The ‘40 comes with a tripod, a 500 rounds per minute rate of fire, and fixes some reliability and jamming issues, but the ‘40 hasn’t been fully able to replace the ‘28 yet.”

“Well,” Ranulf said, “What are your thoughts, General?”

[aimway921]

General Yamakuchi looked over the weapons as they were presented, while another officer who was one of the 20 men that arrived with the boxes took a closer look at them, sliding the bolts, feeling their weight.

Yamakuchi nodded to the young officer once Ranulf asked for their thoughts.

"The 10 round magazine is certainly an improvement over most bolt action designs, including our own," the officer said. "The bolt, however, feels heavy to the pull, and is quite long."

"The 1911 suffers from the same issue one of the designs we are in the process of replacing in our own army - granted, the 1911 has only one issue compared to ours - it is a bit heavy."

"The machine gun is very much comparable to ours, I'd same in the same league."

"Thank you, Lieutenant," Yamakuchi told to the officer once he finished his, perhaps slightly biased, critique of the presented Franch arms. "Now let's unpack the presents we brought."

"So-de-arimasu!" the Lieutenant answered as he snapped a quick salute. He turned on heel and quickly ran up to his comrades and barked some orders in Ashigawan. After some box opening and weapon hauling, a number of Odaru soldiers were ready to present arms. As they were presenting them, the Lieutenant described them.

"This is the Type-99 Battle Rifle. This latest variant was designed in 1936, although the original variant dates to 1923. It fires the standard Arisaka cartridge of 7.7 mm. A 5 round internal magazine and a 2,000 meters maximum firing range, although anything above around 300-500 meters is achievable only with an optical sight. Speaking of -" the soldier presenting the rifle took a scope out of the pouch and slid it onto an unassuming rail on the rifle. "This latest variant has an integrated mount for such a sight, opposed to previous variants where it had to be either retrofitted or sent back to the factory for an upgrade. You might notice an unusual plate around the bolt - it is nickel plating that, while adds a bit to the weight, ensures additional protection from corrosion, which is a problem in our home region of hot tropics."

Another soldier than presented a rifle with a peculiar design - other than the shoulder stock and a handguard, it was entirely made of metal. "This, I believe is safe to say, leagues above the bolt action rifles that most armies of the world are currently armed. The Type-45 Battle Rifle. Firstly, it is a self-loading rifle, increasing an individual soldier's rate of fire drastically over the bolt actions. Fed by a 10 round detachable magazine, although it can be still loaded with clips from the top. Mostly stamped metal design ensures fast and cheap production. It is currently within the final prototype stages, and is due to replace the Type-99. In addition, it uses a freshly developed 7.62×51mm round. Surveying battlefields and accounts of veterans have proven that in the modern age, there is simply no need for an individual soldier to fire at ranges over 400 meters, in most situations. For that reason, we have done away with the contemporary 8 mm hegemony when designing this rifle, lowering the maximum firing range to 1,000 meters. This also means that the rounds are smaller and lighter - making them cheaper in production, easier on the logistics, and allowing each soldier to carry more into battle."

Next a soldier brought a handgun.

"Type-38. 9 mm caliber, it has a slide that goes over only half of the whole gun, leaving half of the barrel exposed. The main goal is to use less material for cheaper production and for lighter weight, although the slick look is a welcome side-effect. I believe the 9 mm has an advantage over the .45 ACP that it's a smaller and lighter round - again, as I mentioned with the previous weapon - that makes it easier on logistics and allows soldiers to carry more rounds with them - while the sacrifice in range and firepower is so minute it's negligible."

After the pistol, a soldier brought the sub-machine gun.

"Type-04 sub-machine gun. About 750 rounds per minute, and it's 71 round drum magazine, it is a formidable close quarter weapon that was instrumental in our victories in urban battles during the Great War. Admittedly, it's an old design that we're seeking to replace. The gun itself is rather bulky and heavy, especially with a fully loaded magazine."

The light machine was up next.

"Type-02, as I said, is comparable to your AM-1928. 550 rounds per minute, fed by a 30 round magazine of the same 7.7 that the current Type 99 Battle Rifle uses. We are considering to replace it in the near future, however designs are still underway."

Up next was a heavier machine gun - this one there were 2 people who had to haul it over, and set up on a tripod on the table.

"Type-99-1 Medium Machine Gun is our solution for sustained firepower in fixed positions. Most effective for defense, a 550 round per minute like the Type-02, a heavier barrel and belt fed, it can keep firing for ages as long as it's being fed ammunition."

The final weapon took a little bit longer to set up. One soldier brought a large tripod that was placed on the ground, it's mounting bracket being at chest-level. Meanwhile 2 other soldiers hauled over a huge machine gun, and fixed it to the tripod.

"Type-1 Heavy Machine Gun." the Lieutenant said, giving a small smile. "Due to it's size and weight, it either must be a permanent position on a tripod, or it has to be mounted on a vehicle - which we do in most cases. 12.7x99 mm at 550 rounds per minute, this beast can shred light armored vehicles, low flying aircraft and even concrete cover. Frankly, it can be effectively used as an anti-tank weapon against tankettes and some light tanks."

[callmedelta]

"We should see about getting these to our researchers as soon as possible," General Ranulf said, "I can tell you right now, General, I don't think the Franch Army will see much need for the Type-38, Type-02, or Type-99, though the scope from it may prove useful. The MM-1911 is still a solid weapon, and with the Franch Army's existing stock of .45 ACP, we see no need for a replacement. The Type-02 is comparable enough to the AM-1928, though we would be interested in whatever new designs you make. Considering the two weapon's similarities, perhaps a joint-weapons development plan is in order. The Type-45, however, could be very useful, especially considering how close 7.62 is to 7.92. Only minor modifications would be needed to make it fit with our existing stocks. The Type-04 might also be interesting to explore further, as the Franch Army has no sub-machine gun in service. We're no strangers to old models, as you can see. I don't know if we would see much use for the Type-99-1, as Franerre only has limited industrial capacity. But the Type-1, on the other hand, might be of use to us. Currently, our forts and vehicles use the AM-1928 or the AnNa-1940, and while we don't expect many tanks from Elenria or Kumosenkan, the extra firepower may be of use regardless."

[aimway921]

"I am sure the cooperation of our R&D departments would be most beneficial as well," Yamakuchi said. "To be honest, as well as it has served us, we are not really satisfied with the magazine feed of the Type-02 and want to replace it with something belt-fed. The design of the modern Nevarran LMG looks the most enticing to us. In the meantime, vehicles! We have brought a number of them, from armored cars to tanks."

While they were talking, several soldiers have unpacked and set up a portable radio station on the table. As it was ready and launched, the General came up to it and picked up the transmitter, into which he pronounced an order in Ashigawan.

Already seen by the sentries, Ranulf would now see for the first time the Ashigawan armor, as it rolled in through the gates onto the firing range.

"I shall present them in the order that they enter," the officer who presented the small arms earlier said.

"First is the K-10 all-terrain car. Copied from Galra's Jeep design, it's purpose is to quickly move officers, medics, small quantities of supplies and overall minor transportation between the frontlines, the battlefield and the rear. Our medics found it especially valuable in evacuating wounded soldiers directly from the battlefield, as well as it's frequently used by patrols and by reconnaissance troops."

"Next is the T-1 Ho-Ha, a half-track armored personnel carrier. The armor is light, would only hold up against rifle and machine-gun fire. They're meant to carry soldiers to keep up with fast tanks, and usually when the engagement with the enemy starts, soldiers would dismount and the vehicle would retreat. It can comfortably fit 10 soldiers in full gear, but can be packed with as much as 20."

"The T-1-1 Ho-Ki comes next. This is a fully tracked and heavier armored personnel carrier. Can comfortably fit 15 soldiers, and up to 25, as well as tow artillery."

"This is the T-1 Se-Ka. In function, it is essentially an armored and tracked K-10. The design, as you can see, is heavily inspired by the UKUG's Universal Carrier. It's heavier and this slower than K-10, but it is more nimble than the Ho-Ha and Ho-Ki, and able to provide machine-gun support fire on the battlefield."

"Here is a T-1 To-Ke. Honestly, we plan to retire it soon. A tankette with only a machine gun, it is however quite nimble. In several battles during the Great War, groups of the To-Ke decimated Galran companies that didn't have anti-tank weaponry on them. Nowdays the role for them is rear-guard and recon."

"Then the famed Type 89 I-Go. The main Ashigawan tank of the Great War, it saw many successes. Armed with a 70 mm field cannon, it's HEAT rounds were able to rip through most Great War tanks, and even through some modern ones."

"Now this is out newest model, the Type-3 Ha-Go. It is going to replace the Type 89 as the main tank, although the low numbers of the currently built ones don't allow us to make the transition just yet. Armed with a modern anti-tank gun, capable of knocking out most modern tanks."

"Finally, this beast is, currently, the pinnacle of Ashigawan military industry. Heavy tank, Type-4 Ha-Ki. Thick frontal armor makes it almost impervious to most anti-tank means, while it's heavy-caliber anti-tank cannon is a threat to almost all existing armor."

[callmedelta]

General Ranulf was overall impressed by the Ashigawan vehicles. While the To-Ke wouldn't be useful, as the Franch army had been able to phase out their original tankettes, and the Ha-Ki, though impressive, wasn't what the Franch army was looking for, the General could see uses for everything else the Ashigawans brought. Ideally, they would all be used, but logistics had a way of crushing those ideals. After Yamakuchi had finished, Ranulf voiced his thoughts. "I can already see the Army being interesting in a vehicle like the K-10, for all of the uses you described."

"The Ho-Ha, Ho-Ki, and Se-Ka would be great additions to the Franch Army as well, but I don't know if we would be able to, or even want to, field all of them. Each vehicle has it's own strengths and weaknesses. The Ho-Ha's speed would allow it to keep up with our tanks that much easier, though the armor leaves something to be desired. The Ho-Ki's towing ability would allow them to field the heavier AnNa-AB, over the lighter AnNa-FCA. The Se-Ka's nimbleness and ability to provide battlefield support makes it arguably the best candidate out of the three, but whichever we decide to use will require more deliberation."

"At initial glance, the I-Go appears to be only a slight upgrade to the Deaures LGT, but our engineers will be taking a closer look, just to make sure there isn't some marvel we're overlooking. The Ha-Go, on the other hand, looks much more promising. At the very least, I can see the improve gun being taken and added onto any future tank design Franerre uses, though we very well may just license the Ha-Go."

"Unfortunately, I don't think the To-Ke or Ha-Ki are what the Franch Army is looking for. As you said yourself, tankettes' usefulness is waning, and the Ha-Ki suffers from going too far on the opposite extreme for Franerre's needs, not to mention the greater logistical difficulties for fielding tanks of the Ha-Ki's size."

"While all of these are quite interesting, and I thank you for bringing over such technology, none of it will be of any use if we cannot produce it locally. Going to war with Kumosenkan means supply routes' safety can't be guaranteed. While the initial deal was for reduced licensing fees, depending on how quickly we decide to phase in the new technology you brought, we may need to negotiate the expansion of some factories, but that is best left to people more versed in economics than I. I will make sure to send a note to my collages in Foreign Affairs."

[aimway921]

"I will let you know," Yamakuchi said. "That I'm not the only one in Ashigawa who is strongly on favor of joint standardized equipment across the alliance. As most of our arms manufacturers are government owned, I am sure both our Foreign Affairs representatives would be able to come to a deal most beneficial to both our nations. Furthermore, I'm looking forward to seeing what Ashigawan and Franch R&D can come up with when working together."

[callmedelta]

“Technological integration is certainly a topic warranting further discussion, but for now, let us keep focused on the matter at hand. Do you have anything else to show, or are we free to move on to an examination of the motorized division we have here?”

[aimway921]

"The las thing we have brought are airplanes, but they need some time to be reassembled, and would obviously require us to move to the airfield. So in the meantime, I believe it would be appropriate to review your motorization."

[callmedelta]

General Ranulf nodded, giving a hand signal to a pair of soldiers in waiting. Once they received the signal, the pair took off, and around a minute later two vehicles came onto the firing range, now a little cramped with the Ashigawan vehicles already there. The first of the vehicles was a large truck, with the second behind it a thinly-armored half-track.

"This," General Ranulf said, walking up to the truck, "Is the CAF-42, the workhorse of the Franch motorized corp. The truck is easy to repair, and able to carry 10 soldiers, two in the drivers seat, 8 in the bed. She's a bit on the slower side, and isn't made for combat, either, providing little to no protection to the soldiers riding in it, and it can't pull the larger artillery pieces in the Franch Army. I don't think Franerre will be fully replacing her with anything you brought, though."

Then, the General walked over to the half-track. "This, on the other hand, is the CBLF-43. Created after the CAF, it was designed to fix the lack of armor on the aforementioned vehicle. The half-track can only carry 6 soldiers in the bed, and the added armor makes it slower, less reliable, and much more expensive than the CAF. In addition, the initial production line used the same engine, making the CBLF too underpowered to pull artillery while keeping up speed with the CAF and the LGT, though a larger engine was added in later lines, it can still occasionally struggle hauling artillery."

[aimway921]

"While we have not brought it with us, I would advise you look into our Nissan trucks," General Yamakuchi replied. "Especially the T-06/2, my adjutant can familiarize you with the schematics - a 3-axel truck with a powerful compressed Staol engine. It can easily haul anti-tank guns and light artillery. For hauling heavy artillery, during the Great War we appropriated farm tractors, and have been looking into developing a dedicated tugging vehicle on their base. Unfortunately after the war ended, the beurocracy decided their attention is needed elsewhere, and the project has been put in the long drawer. Perhaps teamed up with your R&D, we can come up with something viable. Still though, I can see why you expressed an interest in the Ho-Ha and Ho-Ki, the CBLF-43 does look like it can get an upgrade."

[callmedelta]

"Thankfully, we don't have too many CBLF-43's in service," General Ranulf said, "So they will be easy to upgrade, should we have the ability. I haven't seen the cost of anything you've brought over, but odds are, especially with our current situation, Franerre will have to pick and choose what to modernize and what can stay. I'm afraid the same might go for your proposed towing vehicle, as the Army hasn't really considered a vehicle like that worth the expense, and Franerre doesn't have the ability to sink the funds and personnel into many research projects."