Posted on 09/17/2004 10:21:22 AM PDT by struwwelpeter
15:21 2004-09-17
American military intelligence confirms that the Venezuelan ministry of defense has several new MiG-29 fighters. The MiG-29s for now located on one of the bases in the region of Lake Maracaibo. The fighters periodically perform training flights in the region of Curacao island in the Caribbean sea, where they were detected by the American military. Information about Venezuela's MiG-29s was also confirmed by representatives of the Columbian ministry of defence.
The purchase of Russian fighters, according to the American military, is part of a long-term plan by the Venezuelan ministry of defense to upgrade their air forces. Venezuela plans to buy about 50 Russian MiG-29 fighters in various modifications, with 40 single-seat and 10 dual-seat models. Venezuela plans to spend about 5 billion dollars for the Russian fighters, including missiles and special aviation and airfield equipment.
Until recently the only MiG-29s in Latin America were used by Peru and Cuba. Cuba only has six MiG-29s.
(Excerpt) Read more at lenty.ru ...
a page about FARC, which piasa mentioned:
http://library.nps.navy.mil/home/tgp/farc.htm
he tried to get one--- us govt said no.
I believe that if you go to Russia,Ukraine,Hungary etc-you could hitch a ride on a Mig-29 or an Su-27 for a "few" dollars.
Sounds like racism vs Larry Ellison.
"I don't think the 5 billion is for the fighters itself..."
Yes, but 48 F-16C/D block 50/52 for Poland cost $3.8 billion and It also contain missiles, airfield equipment etc and even pilot training.
I heard it about Russia but I doubt that It is possible in Hungary. One hour flight cost a few thousand $.
Yep that's the whole deal-so I don' t think it's the fighter part alone.Besides an F-16 is far more expensive than a Mig-29.Oh by the way,it's being said in article that The Venezuelans are buying the Mig-29SMT-so the price might have been higher,especially if they got the Italians or French to tweak with the avionics.
Well for people willing to pay,a few thousand is peanuts.
On the other hand, Brazil has developed the A-29 Super Tucano, a turboprop patrol/attack fighter that can fly slow enough to allow the pilot, who sits high in a dome canopy for better observation, a better chance at spotting elusive targets like rebel camps and drug factories. The Super Tucano is no match against a jet aircraft, but it is perfect for taking on drug lords and rebels out in the bush.
Oil $ once again funding murderous lunatics...
Cuba WITH oil...
Love that pic - notice the right engine has flamed-out during a low-level maneuver at an air show, which led to the crash...
Wouldn't an A-10 be the best craft for that job?
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