Varyag is out of drydock
Varyag will be an operational carrier. Period. It won't be a casino or a training platform. It is still has a long road before it is operational and there are many unanswered questions about its capability. But we need to start asking ourselves the following questions now:Shows that Varyag has left the dry docks in Dalian with the modified island. Although at this point, they really haven't put any of the sensors on the island yet. Looks like all of the dry dock work has been done and they will start to really install on the electronics now. What I hear is that they completely redesigned the inside of the ship. They put a lot of serious investment into putting Varyag back into service, so it may serve past just having training purpose. Just waiting patiently for the next stage now.
What has China learned from the Varyag?
What technologies still need to be mastered?
How does the PLAN intend to fill those gaps? Importing subsystems, hiring consultants, or indigenous development? If the former, from whom?
What aircraft does the PLAN intend to operate from the Varyag? (Some speculate a navalized J-11 and Z-9)
How will these aircraft be different from those already produced in China?
How will the PLAN train its pilots for carrier ops?
Does the PLAN plan to build and induct more aircraft carriers?
How does the PLAN intend to use/deploy its aircraft carriers?