Posted on 04/04/2006 8:51:10 AM PDT by Sax
Chavez gets Russian helicopters
Chavez is looking to boost Venezuela's armed forces Venezuela has taken delivery of three Russian-built military helicopters - the first of a total of 15 it has so far ordered from Moscow. President Hugo Chavez said they would help to protect Venezuela if the US ever mounted an invasion.
Mr Chavez also repeated that he was ready to buy Russian fighter jets.
Washington has dismissed claims of a possible invasion as ridiculous and says Mr Chavez's military purchases pose a threat to regional stability.
A crowd of Russian and Venezuelan generals and diplomats was treated to an air show, displaying the strengths of the Russian-built helicopters.
A group of around 20 parachutists jumped in formation out of the olive green MI-17 helicopters during Monday's ceremony.
President Chavez said Venezuela's latest purchases could be used to transport parachute troops quickly into combat.
This would be ideal for a war of resistance, Mr Chavez said, a reference to his often repeated concerns that the US may want to invade Venezuela to seize its oil reserves.
Army Commander Gen Raul Baduel said Venezuela planned to buy a total of 33 helicopters from Russia.
Balance of power
Venezuela has also agreed to buy a total of 100,000 Kalashnikov assault rifles from Russia. Russian Kalashnikovs will replace Venezuela's ageing assault rifles
Mr Chavez also repeated his accusation that the US had blocked a deal to buy training aircraft from the Brazilian manufacturer, Embraer, because the Brazilian planes contained protected American technology.
"Nothing and nobody will stop us from making our country's armed forces stronger," he said, while stressing that Venezuela was not preparing to invade anybody.
The BBC's Greg Morsbach in Caracas says Mr Chavez's words may do little to dispel fears in Washington that Venezuela is stepping up its arms expenditure and is upsetting the balance of power in Latin America.
I must have posted befor the picture loaded on my machine.
Anyway, that web site is a great place for all knds of military hardware specs.
No I missed that. Operation costs too high? Or just didn't see the need? Cuba's not going to be attacking anyone and we're not letting anyone invade land 90 miles off our coast (& one where we're based.)
Yep, I've used it over the years a ton of times!
I don't recall that Castro made any comment other than no thanks but it was clearly a pointless gesture. Chavez may have ended up selling them to China but even that is a worthless gesture.
President Hugo Chavez said they would help to protect Venezuela if the US ever mounted an invasion.
Last one I remember is us, when we bought Alaska - thanks Ruskies!
This would be ideal for a war of resistance, Mr Chavez said, a reference to his often repeated concerns that the US may want to invade Venezuela to seize its oil reserves.
Decent clients have enough money and sense not to buy Russian junk.
PING
PING
I also forgot to say that Venezuela has a contract to build millions of AK rifles, RPG launchers, and other Russian/chinese weapons
We would be smart to take out Chavez early. His infection is spreading through South America.
Nothing can touch this bird in the sky.
Is there any opposition group to Chavez in VZ that hasnt been jailed or killed by his thugs?
So the Iranians aren't the only suckers that the Russians have pawned old Soviet era hardware off on for cold cash...
Our only hope now would be "black operations", but it won't happen.
I have never understood why anyone likes that song. It is lame and plods along in a mope. And who the hell calls it a rocket launcher?
It's a freakin missile. A SAM, an RPG but a launcher?
I never heard much else from Cockburn but I have heard this song get refrenced a few times since 1983 when i first heard it - and I just dont get it. C-
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