Free Republic

Following its leftist allies lead, Bolivia has ordered six K-8 trainer aircraft from China. Venezuela paid about $25 million each for theirs, but it's not known what Bolivia will pay. China has exported K-8s to several other countries (often at bargain prices), including Myanmar (Burma). Bolivia wants to use the K-8 as a light strike aircraft (against rebels and drug gangs), with secondary duty as a trainer. Also being purchased are ten Mi-17 transport helicopters. The K-8 (also called JL-8) is a 4.3 ton, two seat, jet trainer. It uses a American, Chinese or Ukrainian engines. Originally, China was going...