Re: Latest Varyag Pics
grahamsh said:
I have to say that if the PLAN were trying to develop this for some sort of real use, why park it in a very open port where all and sundry (including anyone on a passing foreign merchant vessel and there are plenty) can take pics of it ? So either it is no big deal, or it is some form of crafty "disinformatsia", to use an old Soviet term…i.e. it is there TO BE SEEN and get folk intrigued ?
Graham
My guess is that there is an element of disinformation in it...probably regarding the long-term intent and aspirations of the PLAN with respect to aircraft carriers.
Having said that, there are also very few if any places the PLAN could hide either development of a full-size carrier, or the refitting of one. The US, which employs much more advanced technology, makes no real secret of the building, outfitting, and refitting of their nuclear, super-carriers. They are done in ports where it is fairly easy to see. I was in Bremeton, WA last week and saw the John Stennis there being worked on. Here's a pic from an earlier trip:
The Chinese have spent a lot of time, effort, and
money on the Varyag. I believe they intend to make her operational, probably as a training carrier that will be outfitted enough to augment whatever they ultimately produce on their own.