Venezuela to buy 10 choppers from France and Russia

[tigershark]

What is Mr. Chavez buying from France I didn't here this before?  I thought he couldn't get his Mirage 5/50 upgraded and now helicopters?   I wonder playing the rumor mill a little if maybe a Rafale sale is being thrown around among other goodies France sells.  Maybe this is the reason Venezuela hasn't  placed a follow up orders for Flankers because twenty-four really isn't enough.   Mr. Chavez could afford them that's for sure with oil prices the way the are might be an interesting high-lo- mix Flanker/Rafale.   




Venezuela to buy 10 choppers from France and Russia
http://english.eluniversal.com/2007/11/01/en_eco_art_venezuela-to-buy-10_01A1167079.shtml

[Webmaster]

I think you are getting ahead of things.

The FAV already operates Mi-17s, Cougars and Super Puma's. So it makes sense if you need more helicopters, you order more of any of those. But I think Mil's offer will come out on top. The Mi-28 is to complement the Mi-35 I guess, but I think it wouldn't be the best idea.

Venezuela is just looking at the options, the US has an embargo on the country, so they are French or Russian. The new Su-35 variant is also rumoured to be considered. It's a good idea for Venezuela not to put all eggs in one basket and keep the French connection open, even if it's only for your negotiation position and current fleet.

[Webmaster]

Just had a chat with my friend from Venezuela.

Apparently they want more Cougars, as it seems they are not too happy about the Mi-17s.

They want the Mi-28, because the president was impressed with it.

They want Su-35s to replace the F-16s. More Su-30s to replace the Mirages.

Close to signing a deal for K-8s for basic jet training, and looking at the Yak-130 for advanced training.

[Globetrotter]

wow, if that's true, thay are getting the whole big package! Good! Su-35 is sooo sweet!

[tigershark]

Hi Globetrotter
I'm surprise I would thought being from South America you wouldn't want Chavez to get more Su-30s and maybe Su-35s?   Since he just voted himself President for life in sunny Venezuela in time he'll expand outward.   How do people from South America view him if you don't mind asking?  Thanks

[Globetrotter]

I think my post wasn't clear enough... but I just meant I like the Su-35, a lot., and as it is a very good airplane, I think they did the right choice, just that.

On the other hand, I think that he was going to buy aircrafts, it's obvious, cause that's the key if you want to be powerful, right?
So, if they are Su-35 then it's cool. What was he going to buy? long used A-4s like us?

I'll answer the rest in a PM to you, in case you still want it, cause the main aim of this thread is not political, thus the members don't or shouldn't care about that, and I shouldn't bother them with my view.

[tigershark]

Your right Globetrotter I'll PM you
Both Flankers types are great aircraft and very capable weapons platforms.  I still feel a lo mix is needed and in time Venezuela will pick one up Flanker hi blank lo?   Nothing with Venezuela aircraft sales ever list air to air missiles notice that? 

[alyster]

Excuse me guys but if I'm not harsly mistking then wasn't the law he recently had passed about taking off limits how many times one can be elected president, not that one would be president for life time. Although we could dispute how serious the elections actually could come.

Anyhow are the Venezuelan gas exports really that big that they can afford all of it? It does sound like a awfully expentsive punch of deals. Also taking in mind they still should pay for these diesel subs they recently bought.

[Webmaster]

Venezuela is the world's fifth-largest oil producer. So if you nationalize oil industries, raise taxes for or increase revenue shares in the foreign oil companies, increase production, sell to both the US, China and maybe India, benefitting from the high oil price, then you can and should buy weapons to secure that wealth and of course invest in non-oil industries, healthcare and education, plus reduce state debt.

I don't see the need for a hi-lo mix for Venezuela for now, I do see a gap in transport (An-74?), tanker (Il-78?), maritime patrol (Il-38?) and AEW&C+ISR (A-50? + ) which all need to be filled first. AEW&C because you can't rely solely on those air defence radars and ground control... if attacked, they'll be first to be taken out, or at least supressed/jammed.

[Raptor]

Why would anyone not attack an oil producer with a problematic governmental system? Ok maybe it isn't problematic, but some might see it as so. In any case, what is their current air force strength?

[Sergei]

On data available me, Venezuela wishes to get at Russia several Mi-28NE "Night Hunter", and subsequently to finish their number in structure of Air Forces of Venezuela to 16 units.

[tigershark]

Hi Sergei
How many Mi-28NE "Night Hunters does Russia have active and assigned to units?  I would like to know how do they perform do the pilots like them?   They look deadly I'm surprise more countries don't buy them.