Deltaria

[Rogue]

Balgrad - As the Imperial Navy undergoes expansion and modernization, the Letter has been given exclusive acces to the naval shipyards in Balgrad to witness the construction of Deltaria's nuclear powered naval carrier, the DNS Norbert. For a century the Deltarian navy did not have a carrier of its own, focussing largely on improving its fleet of destroyers and cruisers. With new funds, new energy and new ideas, the navy has adopted a plan for expansion that revolves arounds it three commands: Northern Command, Home Command and Expeditionary Command. For this strategy, the navy, in cooperation with the Ministry of War, decided that Deltaria would need a naval carrier to serve under the Northern Command, becoming the flagship of the northern fleet. While some old carriers had been in drydock for centuries, it was decided that the design for the Nemec carrier was the most suited, giving Deltaria a nuclear powered carrier for its fleet.

Plans for the design of the DNS Norbert were improved over the years, with construction of the carrier finally starting last year. The hull is now nearing completion, but much work still needs to be done. The project is a massive undertaking, involving nearly 24 different (defense) companies serving as subcontractors. Balgrad Naval Development is the main contractor involved in the project, being responsible for its design and coordination during construction. The Ministry of War has reserved nearly 9 billion LFR for construction of the carrier alone, being the most expensive procurement program in years. As we walk on the construction site its clear that a lot of work still needs to be done. The sheer size of the ship and the complexity of its onboard systems are breathtaking. Furthermore, new aircraft need to be designed for the ship, as Deltaria no longer has AC capable aircraft to operate.

Once completed, the DNS Norbert will serve as the prime power projection tool for the Deltarian navy. Serving in the Northern Fleet, it will likely be used to aid allies and project Deltarian influence. Interestingly it seems that the navy is returning to its two-pronged strategy. Under its new approach, the Home Fleet will be reinforced and the reintroduction of the famed Deltarian battlecruiser is being considered to serve as a flagship. Together with a strengthening of the submersible fleet, the Home fleet will be prepared to keep the "mouth of majatra" open and protect commerce close to shores. The Northern Command will be used to project power outwards, with two fleets attached to it. The Expeditionary Command will be used as a quick response contingent, having only a handfull of ships at its disposal to be used for rescue operations, anti-piracy and the protection of commercial lanes.

The Imperial Navy is proud of its advances and, from what were allowed to see, it is well on its way to improve its fleets and protect Deltarians at home and abroad.