Russia and Spain to upgrade Venezuelan military aircraft

Russia is set to join Spain as the principal supplier of military aircraft to the dictatorship in Venezuela, the Associated Press reports.

Strongman Hugo Chavez is seeking to buy versions of the Russian Sukhoi 'Flanker' fighter jet to replace Venezuela's aging fleet of American-built F-16s, the Associated Press reports from Caracas. He also might buy at least 15 Russian helicopters worth $200 million.

Reports of Venezuela's fighter plane shopping list conflict, though all agree that Chavez is interested in the Flanker series. Russian reports say that Caracas wants the Su-27, a long-range interceptor and air superiority fighter.

AP reports that the regime wants more advanced variants of the Su-27, either the Su-30, a multi-role strike and air superiority fighter, or the Su-35, with a 2,500-mile range.

In Moscow, a top Venezuelan general called the Su-35 "the world's best multi-role fighter."

Spain is upgrading Venezuela's military airlift, selling CASA CN-235 transport aircraft over the objections of the United States.

"Washington has pointed to the mounting defense deals with concern and urged Russia and Spain not to do business with Venezuela. Both countries have shrugged off the warnings."

Russia's Gen. Yuri Baluyevsky said on May 24 that Moscow is "ready to sell weapons to all countries so as to ensure their security and the growth of our military and industrial complex," the Kremlin-controlled Interfax agency reported.

"If Chavez has money, Russia is ready to sell him planes, which don't fall under restrictions on critical or missile technologies," Baluyevsky said. "This specific product [warplanes] is not under restriction."