Venezuela gets Chinese military jets to replace U.S.

Chavez review of the planes at an air base in the city of Barquisimeto was broadcast on state television. Each jet can fire air-to-ground missiles and drop bombs, and is capable of 5 hours of flight without refueling, Alejandro Gonzalez, a colonel in the Venezuelan air force, told Chavez during the broadcast.

Venezuela is blocked from buying U.S. military equipment to maintain or replace its aging fleet of F-5 and F-16 jets because the U.S. lists the country as uncooperative against drug smuggling. Chavez has previously bought Russian-made Sukhoi fighters. The U.S. blocked Chavez's purchases of jets from Brazil and the Czech Republic.

“These men have been trained and developed only to defend the fatherland,” Chavez said of the first group of 11 pilots, who he said were trained in China. “We have no plans for aggression against anyone.”

Chavez said buying K-8 jets reduces the ability of the U.S. to control Venezuela's military. He announced the purchase of the Chinese jets in 2008.

Subscribe to The China Post and save 25%. Click here

SharePrintEmail

Write a Comment

Terms

Enter your comments - 3000 characters max

Type in image code

Submit

 Receive China Post promos
 Respond to this email