I can upgrade the shelter-Chapter 785 - 683: The War of Quality

After watching a heavy howitzer bombardment up close, Chen Xin finally returned to the Land Ship satisfied.

"Send a squad of Power Armor to the position I visited. They worked hard to host and entertain us, so we should give them some rewards." After returning, Chen Xin instructed those around him.

A squad of Power Armor is certainly a generous gift, but for Chen Xin, it’s just a matter of having the 3D printing equipment do one print.

In fact, the Land Ship already carries packaged and boxed Power Armor. These Power Armors are reduced versions supplied to various European countries, packed in squad-sized boxes, intended for front-line troops.

Distributing one box now will not cause any issues.

Moreover, Chen Xin naturally had the authority to make such a decision, so after hearing his order, those beside him didn’t question it much. They merely confirmed the quantity with Chen Xin, had him sign a checklist to complete the procedure, and then arranged for a helicopter delivery.

"Academician Chen, how was the inspection result? Any thoughts?" An administrative officer asked as he approached Chen Xin upon his return.

Chen Xin’s insistence on inspecting the defense line had made it quite difficult for the political officer. But now, seeing Chen Xin return unharmed, he could finally breathe a sigh of relief.

"It’s not that I have thoughts, but I’ve learned a lot about the situation." Chen Xin smiled at the political officer, having no qualms about his previous obstruction. As he headed towards the bridge, he said, "The alien assault on the European Battlefield is indeed more ferocious than domestically. Although the Europeans suffer equipment setbacks, the aliens in terms of numbers and species are much stronger than what we’ve encountered at home!

Truth be told, even if our soldiers were to replace them, although we could do better, it would be limited, just less embarrassing.

When the quantity reaches a certain level that causes qualitative change, the quality of soldiers and the advancement of weapons become meaningless, and everything evolves into a war of quality."

"War of quality? Academician Chen, what do you mean by that?" The political officer, suddenly hearing a new term from Chen Xin, couldn’t help but become more curious, wanting to understand how Chen Xin evaluated this defensive war against the alien creatures.

"The so-called war of quality is where both sides are no longer competing on industrial production capacity, soldier quality, and weapon technology advancement, but simply on who can deliver more material to the battlefield." Chen Xin explained to the political officer, even giving an example: "Just like the famous Van Fleet ammunition supply during the Korean War, which was already a prototype of a war of quality. Although our ancestors withstood such fierce artillery, we have to admit such firepower was effective.

Any other army during World War II facing the Van Fleet ammunition supply would’ve likely been crushed. Only our ancestors could withstand seventy bombardments per square meter."

After Chen Xin’s explanation, the political officer started to understand his point, so he asked Chen Xin: "But currently, neither on the European Battlefield nor at home do we meet the Van Fleet ammunition supply standard in terms of firepower delivery, right? Although the aliens do seem to have a tendency to overwhelm us with sheer numbers."

"That’s why I say it’s a war of quality!" Chen Xin smiled, prepared to explain further, but suddenly noticed the Eagle Titan that was landing, recalling something, and walked toward it.

"Academician!" The Eagle Titan’s pilot had just gotten down from the mech and, seeing Chen Xin approaching, quickly stood at attention and saluted.

"At ease, I want to ask you something." Chen Xin nodded in acknowledgment before asking, "Earlier, while hovering over the battlefield, did you notice any flying units of the alien creatures? Did you engage with them? I’d like to hear your thoughts on those aerial units."

Hearing Chen Xin’s inquiry, the Eagle’s pilot organized his thoughts before replying, "Earlier, I did see some of the alien flying units. However, before I could engage them, they were already shot down by ground-based anti-air fire, so there was no encounter.

However, from the visuals I observed, these flying creatures are about the size of a fighter jet, with wingspans roughly fifteen meters and body lengths over ten meters. Their body structure somewhat resembles ancient pterosaurs or bats. I didn’t see feathers; the wings had a membrane structure, similar overall to the Quetzalcoatlus from the dinosaur era.

As for their combat capabilities, I can only say that flesh and bone stand no chance against anti-air fire. Unless they swarm in numbers, it’s hard to break through the previous stand’s anti-air defenses."

"Really? The information you’ve provided is important. I’ve noted it." Chen Xin nodded, recording what the pilot said, before asking, "If you were tasked with capturing one of the alien flying units, do you think the Eagle can manage it?"

"Well..." The pilot hesitated at Chen Xin’s question, unable to easily commit.

"Is it difficult? Tell me, and I’ll see if there’s any way I can help resolve it." Chen Xin noticed the pilot’s hesitation and simply smiled, showing he wasn’t pressuring him.

Encouraged by Chen Xin, the pilot gathered his resolve and replied, "If it’s to take down the alien flying units, the Eagle has no problem. But I lack the necessary aerial capture means, so I can only bring them back dead."

"Only can bring them back dead? I understand. Capturing alive in the air truly poses challenges." Chen Xin nodded understandingly, then gazed over at the nearby Eagle Titan.

This Titan was personally built by Chen Xin, and he was thoroughly familiar with all its designs. He knew the Eagle only had a pair of powered claws for close combat. These could be excellent for tearing apart the alien flying units and even slicing through tank turrets, but capturing live creatures was challenging for the pilot.

"Alright, I see. If possible, bring back a few intact corpses." Chen Xin abandoned the idea of live captures and instead tasked the pilot with retrieving some complete bodies.

Seeing Chen Xin change his mind, the pilot visibly relaxed and promptly agreed.