Russian-made SU-30s arrive in Venezuela

Caracas
Venezuela
NDTV.com
Infosearch:
José Cadenas
Bureau Chief
USA
Research Dept.
La Nueva Cuba
July 4, 2006

Two Russian-made Sukhoi fighter jets, the first of 24 SU-30s that Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez plans to purchase from Moscow, have arrived in the South American nation.

Air Force Cmdr. Roger Cordero Lara told Venezuelan state-run television that the new combat jets would be presented to the public during a July 5 military parade to celebrate the anniversary of Venezuela's independence from Spain.

"These planes are here to safeguard our sovereignty," Cordero Lara said.

Defence deals

Chavez says the SU-30s will replace a fleet of US-made F-16s, which Venezuela has had trouble maintaining because the administration of US President George W Bush has refused to sell Caracas parts.

Venezuela has not yet negotiated a deal for the purchase of the 24 Sukhoi fighter jets, but Chavez has said the agreement is certain to be signed during his July 25 visit to Moscow.

Chavez, a former paratroop commander, is using surging oil revenues to modernize Venezuela's military, signing defence deals worth an estimated $2.7 billion with countries including Russia and Spain.

Despite Washington's objections, Venezuela is purchasing 15 Russian helicopters for $200 million and officials say they hope to buy 18 more.

Venezuela is also buying 100,000 Russian-made AK-103 assault rifles along with ammunition and a license to produce Kalashnikov rifles. (AP)