Venezuela to Complete its Air Fleet of 24 Sukhoi-30 Fighters

Venezuela President Hugo Chávez is scheduled to travel to Russia on July 22 to strengthen the strategic alliance between both countries.

The visit responds to an invitation made by new President Dmitri Medvedev and will make it possible for the Venezuelan leader to know the combat tanks Venezuela intends to acquire. Russia has offered credit advantages to the Bolivarian Armed Forces. To Venezuela, the Russian offers meet the defence concept outlined by Venezuela's Bolivarian government. Venezuela has already bought high technology equipment and aircraft units from Russia. Among them, 24 Sukhoi-30 bombing fighters. Russia still has the last four of them to be delivered. On the other hand, Venezuela is also considering the purchase of model-35 Sukhois, which can launch missiles at targets located 400 kilometers away. Venezuela started negotiating with Russia in 2006 after the United States refused to deliver US-made F-16 spare parts and components. Chávez then tried to purchase the Brazilian-made Super Tucanos from Embraer, but the operation was stopped by the United States as well. Venezuela's Defense Minister has reported that less than 25 per cent of Venezuela's air fleet was active in 2007. This rate is currently over 50 per cent. Venezuelan Representative Rafael Gil Barrios, president of the National Assembly's Defense Committee, has stated that Venezuela'a legislative backs the National Armed Force equipment and international cooperation policies. Hugo Chávez is expected to remain in Europe until July 26. More information in Portuguese.