If Mavi remembered correctly, the Liaoning aircraft carrier was completed in 2011 and officially commissioned on September 25, 2012.
The reason it took so long was that the Chuanglü Group had originally spent $20 million to purchase this half-finished aircraft carrier from the Ukrainian Navy. The plan was to tow it back and have the Dalian Shipyard complete its construction.
However, due to shipbuilding technology limitations, what the Black Sea Shipyard could have finished in three years ended up taking significantly more time and effort at the Dalian Shipyard. They first had to spend time learning the necessary techniques, and after that, they needed time to explore and refine their own methods. This process laid the foundation for future domestically developed aircraft carriers.
"Can it really be completed in just three years?" Elder Yuan Kaimin asked, following up on Mavi's statement. He couldn't deny that this timeframe was incredibly tempting.
"Yes, Elder Yuan Kaimin." Mavi nodded lightly. This time, he wasn't hosting the Chinese Navy for business purposes.
His main goal was simply to show them around and introduce them to the Varyag aircraft carrier inside the shipyard.
Additionally, two Type 956 "Sovremenny-class" destroyers were docked at the shipyard, prepared specifically for the Chinese Navy's visit.
Besides aircraft carriers, destroyers are also a crucial part of demonstrating national strength and protecting territorial waters. Within a naval fleet, destroyers are medium-sized warships with significant offensive power.
Equipped with air defense, anti-submarine, and anti-ship weaponry, destroyers can take on offensive strike missions in naval formations and provide air defense and anti-submarine escort duties. In short, they are highly versatile warships.
"Elder Yuan Kaimin, are you familiar with our Russian and Ukrainian Type 956 Sovremenny-class missile destroyers? If you're interested, I could take you on board for a closer look at its capabilities," Mavi said with a smile, addressing the Chinese naval officers around him.
Since they were his fellow countrymen, he naturally wanted to be the perfect host and, within his capabilities, offer them some support and assistance. He believed that any goodwill extended now would be returned in kind in the future.
"The Type 956 destroyer?" Elder Yuan Kaimin's eyes lit up as he repeated the name.
While the Varyag aircraft carrier was impressive, it was still an unfinished vessel that could only be observed from the outside—it wasn't possible to experience its power firsthand.
The Type 956 Sovremenny-class missile destroyer, however, was an entirely different story. This was an operational Soviet warship with formidable firepower and striking capability. As naval officers, they had no reason to refuse such a tempting invitation.
"Mr. Mavi, it would be an honor for us to explore the Type 956 missile destroyer," said one of the high-ranking Chinese naval officers beside Elder Yuan Kaimin, nodding in agreement.
From the moment they arrived at the Ukrainian airport, these officers had developed a very favorable impression of Mavi. Despite being Russian, he seemed to have a deep understanding of and respect for Chinese culture. His manners, interactions, and demeanor all reflected a person of great refinement.
Now, at the Black Sea Shipyard, Mavi had arranged a tour of the aircraft carrier and an opportunity to board a missile destroyer. His meticulous hospitality left a lasting positive impression.
This goodwill would not be forgotten. If Mavi ever needed help in the future, they would undoubtedly do everything within their power to assist him.
### Ten Minutes Later
Mavi led the group to the shipyard's dock, where two imposing Type 956 Sovremenny-class missile destroyers stood before them in all their glory.
With a full-load displacement of 8,000 tons, the Type 956 destroyer featured a rugged and powerful design, making it the most formidable anti-ship and air defense platform among Soviet Navy destroyers of the 1980s.
In terms of overall size, seaworthiness, survivability, and firepower, it surpassed the previously built Type 1134 cruisers.
"Elder Yuan Kaimin, allow me to introduce these two Type 956 missile destroyers," Mavi began, speaking with confidence. "On both sides of the forward superstructure, you'll find two quad-launchers for SS-N-22 'Sunburn' anti-ship missiles. The A and Y positions each house a twin 130mm naval gun. At the B and X positions, you'll find a single-arm launcher for the SA-N-7 'Grumble' surface-to-air missile system…"
He continued his detailed explanation as if reciting from memory.
From what Mavi remembered from his previous life, Russia had received nearly $2.5 billion in destroyer orders from China.
Thus, if the Black Sea Shipyard managed to secure a major contract this time, a portion of the work would inevitably be allocated to Russian naval shipyards. This was something he had already arranged in advance, with both sides reaching a mutual understanding.
After all, by tightly binding the interests of Ukraine and Russia together, the two nations would be less susceptible to external manipulation and division.
As the Chinese naval officers listened to Mavi's explanation, they gazed at the two Sovremenny-class destroyers before them, deeply impressed by the Soviet Union's formidable military power.
It was awe-inspiring.
If the Chinese Navy could acquire destroyers of this caliber, their strength would increase significantly. Their sailors would undoubtedly be thrilled to operate such warships.
### A Shocking Welcome
What the Chinese officers didn't yet realize was that these two Type 956 destroyers were only a small part of the welcoming display.
Once the ships sailed into the Black Sea, the sheer scale and spectacle of the upcoming event would leave them in utter shock.
"Elder Yuan Kaimin, why did the Ukrainian Navy specifically prepare two Type 956 destroyers? Wouldn't one be enough for all of us?" Elder Yuan Kaimin asked, quickly identifying a key detail.
Mavi chuckled. The old man's sharp instincts were truly impressive.
He then explained to the group, "Elder Yuan Kaimin, it's like this—
To welcome all of you properly, the Ukrainian Navy, in cooperation with our Russian Navy, has arranged a large-scale joint military exercise in the Black Sea."
"In order for you to get the best view of this exercise, you will be divided into two groups, each boarding one of the Type 956 destroyers to observe the operation."
As soon as Mavi finished speaking, the naval officers standing before him exchanged glances, momentarily stunned.
From their expressions, it was clear that they had never expected this visit to include a front-row seat to a joint naval exercise between Ukraine and Russia.
This level of hospitality was truly astonishing!
If word of this made it back to China, the nation would undoubtedly feel immense pride and excitement. At the same time, the friendship among Ukraine, Russia, and China would only grow stronger.
After all, Mavi had explicitly stated that this exercise was being held specifically in their honor.
A welcoming ceremony of this magnitude was nothing short of extraordinary!
(End of Chapter)