Venezuela Allocates $480 Million to Import 12 Su-30MK2 from Russia

Venezuela is to set aside $480 million to buy 12 Sukhoi Su-30MK2 in order to beef up its air force, Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez said in Caracas on Friday.
According to the Venezuelan defense minister, the nation’s authorities deem important "the continuous strengthening of the republic’s defensive capability along with redoubled efforts to improve public health and education".
"Despite a global oil price slump and the economic war being waged on this country, the president realizes the necessity for the armed forces to have what they need to have to accomplish the mission assigned by the constitution," the defense minister stressed. Padrino said a new Sukhoi jet batch would beef up the 23-aircraft fleet in service with Venezuela now.
President Maduro had voiced his intention to acquire Su-30 fighters from Russia in September 2015 - right after an aircraft of the type crashed in the state of Apure for an unknown reason while on patrol along the Venezuelan-Colombian border.
Venezuela and Russia signed a contract for 24 Su-30MK2 aircraft in 2006. The delivery was fulfilled in 2008.
Venezuela is the Latin American leader in terms of Russian armament imports..
According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, the country in 2013-2014 took delivery of 12 S-125 Pechora-2M (SA-3 Goa) surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems with 550 V600 (SA-3B) SAMs, 48 2S19 Msta-S self-propelled artillery systems, 123 upgraded BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicles, including armored recovery vehicles, 1,000 9M117 (AT-10) Bastion antitank missiles (delivered in 2011-2013), three S-300VM (SA-23) SAM systems with 75 9M82M (SA-23A) and 150 9M83M (SA-23B) SAMs, 12 Buk-M2 (SA-17) with 250 9M317 SAMs, 12 9A52 Smerch multiple-launch rocket systems (in 2013), 114 BTR-80A armored personnel carriers (in 2011-2014) and 92 T-72M1M main battle tanks (in 2011-2013).
defense-aerospace

Venezuela to Buy at Least 12 SU-30

Venezuela will purchase at least 12 fighter jets from Russia, President Nicolas Maduro said Sunday.
On Friday, a Venezuelan Air Force Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jet crashed on the country's border with Colombia.
The Venezuelan government also plans to sign a contract with China on military equipment delivery, the president added. The equipment will be used to fight drug trafficking, particularly from Colombia, according to him.
sputniknews

Venezuela and Russia Hold Large-Scale Military Exercises After USA Executive Order

The Venezuelan military is conducting massive air defense and artillery drills involving visiting Russian troops and hardware.
The 10-day war games have been ordered by Venezuelan President, who spoke of pressure coming from the United States earlier this month.
The Venezuelan government has been concerned about US President Barack Obama's new executive order, published Monday, which described the South American country as "unusual and extraordinary threat" to US national security and foreign policy.
Around 10,000 Venezuelan troops are taking part in the massive military exercises, which also involve Chinese crews.
The drills come in the wake of a February visit by Russia's Defense Minister, who discussed military and technical cooperation with his Venezuelan counterpart in Caracas.
Venezuelan forces have shown increased interest in Russian military aid. Russian-made military equipment has substantially strengthened the capacity of Venezuela's armed forces.
Russia is actively pursuing defence cooperation with South American countries, which includes the sales of weaponry, the construction of naval maintenance and resupply facilities, as well as the occasional use of local airbases for hosting Russian strategic bombers on global patrol missions.
sputniknews

Venezuela podría participar con aviones SuKhoi en próximas ediciones de las maniobras aéreas Cruzex

Venezuela no descarta la posibilidad participar en próximas ediciones del ejercicio Cruzex con los aviones Sukhoi 30MK2, según repuestas en sala de prensa de un alto mando de la Fuerza Aérea de Venezuela:
“históricamente Venezuela viene participando en la Operación Cruzex desde el año 2002 con los aviones F16, pero existe la posibilidad de seguir participando en futuras operaciones Cruzex (...) asistir con el Sistema Sukhoi". Estas son oportunidades para que los países de la región intercambien experiencias y afiancen lazos de amistad y cooperación militar. Esto fortalecerá a futuro un sistema de defensa de la región."
venezueladefensa