Chapter 226: The Terrifying Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

Zhao Gang said with some worry: "Lao Li, our number of drones is limited; shouldn't we save some to deal with emergencies?"

Li Yunlong waved his hand:

"No need to worry. Li Mingyuan said that the factory in the rear is stepping up production, and a new batch of drones will be sent over soon.

This time we must strike while the iron is hot and drive the Star-Spangled Country fellows back to their home!"

He turned to Jin Zhengzhe: "Lieutenant Colonel Jin, are your Taiyang troops ready? Now is the best time to recover lost territory!"

Jin Zhengzhe straightened his back, a determined light flashing in his eyes: "Everything is ready, General Li! Our troops' morale is high, and we are determined to fight side-by-side with the Long Country warriors to drive out the invaders!"

Li Yunlong patted his shoulder: "Well done! We will definitely win this war!"

On the front lines, enemy soldiers looked at the sky in terror, fearing that those terrifying "Unmanned Aerial Vehicles" would appear again.

"Did you see those things?" a young soldier asked his companion, trembling, "They are like ghosts; there is no pilot, yet they can drop bombs with precision..."

"I saw them," another veteran said with a grim face, "faster than an F-86, it's simply unbelievable... Where on earth did the Long Country people get this kind of weapon?"

"I heard those bombs can explode in the air, releasing hundreds of small bombs, covering an area of over five hundred meters... Thompson's entire company was wiped out by them..."

"Shut up!" the squad leader barked, "Don't spread panic! Those are just ordinary bombers; you're exaggerating!"

But he himself did not believe these words.

He had seen those aircraft streak across the sky with his own eyes; their speed was impossibly fast, their size too small to lock onto, and the bombs they dropped were terrifying in a way he had never seen before.

What was even more frightening was that the Long Country army had begun a massive counterattack; those troops that had previously been suppressed by them were suddenly charging forward as if they had been injected with adrenaline, as if victory were already in their grasp.

"Sir, are we retreating?" a soldier asked timidly.

The squad leader did not answer immediately; he looked toward the burning bases in the distance, his heart filled with a sense of defeat.

Three days ago, they were still mocking the Long Country people for being trapped within range and unable to fight back; now, they didn't even know where they were safe.

"Damn it," he finally cursed, "what on earth is going on in this hellhole?"

At the Red Star Machinery Factory, Li Mingyuan stood beside the drone assembly line, watching with satisfaction as one new drone after another came off the assembly line.

These drones used simplified jet engines; although not as complex as the WP-5 of the Jian-6 Fighter, they were sufficient to provide a speed of over 600 kilometers per hour and a range of 200 kilometers, enough to carry out medium-range bombing missions.

"Chief Engineer, good news from the front!" Xiao Wang ran over excitedly, "The first batch of drones all returned safely, mission completion 100%! The enemy suffered heavy losses, and their morale has collapsed!"

Li Mingyuan smiled slightly: "Good, immediately organize technical personnel to inspect these drones and prepare for the second round of strikes. At the same time, accelerate the final assembly progress of the Jian-6; I hope to see the first prototype test flight within a week."

"Within a week?" Xiao Wang's eyes widened, "This... this might be a bit difficult..."

"Difficulty is never an excuse," Li Mingyuan said calmly, "We have the initiative now, but the enemy will not sit and wait for death. They will soon come up with countermeasures and might send more high-altitude reconnaissance planes and bombers to harass us. Only when the Jian-6 enters service can we completely master air superiority."

Xiao Wang nodded and saluted: "Understood, Chief Engineer! We will definitely work overtime to ensure it is completed on time!"

Li Mingyuan looked toward the area in the corner of the factory that was heavily guarded—the first Jian-6 Fighter was being assembled there in full swing. The engine had completed its preliminary tests, and the airframe structure was nearing completion, but the most difficult avionics and weapon systems were still being calibrated.

"Just one more week," Li Mingyuan thought, "Once the Jian-6 makes its debut, the enemy will completely lose their high-altitude advantage, and the scales of this war will tip entirely in our favor."

At the enemy headquarters, an emergency meeting was underway.

"It's simply unbelievable!" the Air Force Lieutenant General slammed the table and stood up,

"How could the Long Country people develop so many cutting-edge weapons in just a few months?

First the Cloud Bomb, then the Anti-aircraft System, and now drones and Cluster Bombs... This completely violates the basic laws of technological development!"

The Intelligence Department Head cleared his throat:

"According to our analysis, these weapon systems indeed all come from an engineer named Li Mingyuan.

He studied abroad in the Polar Bear country, but he didn't show any extraordinary talent... at least that's what the official records say."

"Then there must be some factor we don't know about," the Deputy Minister of National Defense said in a deep voice,

"Perhaps he obtained some special knowledge in the Polar Bear country, or... he has other sources of information."

"What sources of information?" the Air Force Lieutenant General retorted, "Do you think he can predict the future?"

An awkward silence filled the conference room.

"Regardless," the Deputy Minister of National Defense finally spoke, "Long Country's technological progress has already formed a substantial threat to us.

The Cloud Bomb destroyed our armored advantage, and the drones broke through our air blockade... If we don't take action now, the situation will spiral completely out of control."

"Then what should we do?" a general asked.

"First, re-evaluate the Long Country's weapon threat and adjust our strategic deployment.

Second, send elite troops and advanced equipment to the front, including the latest F-86E fighters and improved anti-aircraft systems."

The Deputy Minister of National Defense paused, a cold glint flashing in his eyes:

"Finally, and most importantly... we must take special action against this Li Mingyuan.

He is the key to Long Country's weapon systems; as long as we eliminate him, Long Country's technological advantage will cease to exist."

The conference room fell into silence again, but this time it was a silent acquiescence.

"The CIA has already begun formulating a plan," the Deputy Minister continued, "We will find this Li Mingyuan, and then... take care of him."

……

On the border of Taiyang, an unprecedented victory was unfolding.

Li Yunlong led his troops in a triumphant advance, recovering all previously lost positions and even pushing further ahead.

The enemy was retreating steadily, their ranks in total disarray.

"Lao Li, look at those Star-Spangled Country fellows running away with their tails between their legs," Zhao Gang pointed at the fleeing enemy in the distance, laughing so hard he couldn't stand straight,

"This battle was truly satisfying!"

Li Yunlong also looked smug: "Isn't it all thanks to Li Mingyuan!

That kid is really something this time! Drones, Cluster Bombs, each one is more powerful than the last!"

Jin Zhengzhe also walked over, his admiration evident on his face:

"General Li, on behalf of the Taiyang army and people, I express my sincerest gratitude to you and Long Country. This victory is too important for us..."

Li Yunlong waved his hand: "Don't be so polite, Little Jin, we are allies! Besides, driving away the Star-Spangled Country fellows is our common wish!"

Just at this moment, a Communication Soldier ran over to report: "Frontline Commander-in-Chief, Comrade Li Mingyuan has sent a telegram, saying he has important news to tell you."