Venezuela Update

[Feanor]

So to update what's going on with the multiple planned Russo-Venezuelan contracts, in 2008 a contract for MANPADS Igla-S was signed, and apparently several more contracts are expected in 2009. I also missed the contract for the Tor-M1 SAMs to Venezuela, which was rumored, but I never saw it confirmed. Deliveries have no begun on it.

http://arms-tass.su/?page=article&aid=69354&cid=24

A deal is planned on Il-78MD and Il-78MK transports and tankers, Two are already in Venezuela being tested, and apparently the decision to buy them has already been made. They're just finalizing the contract.

There are also plans to get several project 636 subs, and 10 Mi-28NE helicopters.

Still no news on a BMP-3 contract with Venezuela. However speculation about a T-90S purchase, which according to the article, Venezuela needs 600 units of.

So... the tanker deal looks like it's almost gone through. The Mi-28NE deal also seems likely. Though deliveries are likely to be a while off on that one, as the Mi-28N is currently being produced for our army as well. The rest seems like speculation to me.

 

[Ryan UK]

I see they have upped there demand for the number of tanks to be procured. I recall reading a statement from a Venezuelan General that the number intended was between 100 - 300 MBTs along with 900 BMPs.

Ill see if I can find that article again.

Also any news on further SU-30MK procurement or will they be waiting for the SU-35?

 

[Feanor]

The article doesn't mention any additional Flanker sales. The original articles about a potential MBT sale did say 100-300. This one says 600.

 

[indiana46767]

Chavez is going to backrupt that nation will all his military spending, defense infrastructure is good, but not to the point to where you are trying to find ways to finance a defense spending that a first world nation would be doing.

 

[swerve]

With the slump in oil prices, Venezuela now has a budget crisis. They'll have difficulty paying for everything bought, & Russias scope to extend credit is hampered by the same problem.

 

[Feanor]

Apparently a 5 billion new package is being finalized right now, in regards to Venezuela, and it includes a 2,2 billion USD credit line. So far T-72 tanks (probably ex-Land Forces inventory) and Smerch MLRS are on the shopping list.

Lenta.ru: Îðóæèå: Âåíåñóýëà êóïèò ó Ðîññèè âîîðóæåíèé íà ïÿòü ìèëëèàðäîâ äîëëàðîâ

13 Russian enterprises will be the recipients of the contracts, including Izhmash, which means small arms are also on the shopping list.

 

[riksavage]

I can't see any logic behind buying heavy armour if you plan to deter Columbian aggression! I doubt the border areas represent ideal tank country? Plus does Chevez plan to invest in all the supporting paraphernalia to support armor - POL logistics vehicles, engineering and bridging units etc. etc. Good for Red Square' style parades, row after row of tanks followed by overly cam'd up troops goose-stepping past a blustering Chavez ranting on about the benefits of Socialism, otherwise a total waste of money. S300's represent a good buy though assuming the systems are well maintained and are not left to rust on tank parks.

 

[Feanor]

He's only getting 92 tanks, at least that's the rumors. They're replacing outdated tanks on a one for one basis, or something like that. As far as I know, S-300 are not on the shopping list. Though they haven't told us the details yet. So it's not impossible. I suspect more Flankers are part of the package, as well as naval assets.

 

[Spetsznaz]

He's only getting 92 tanks, at least that's the rumors. They're replacing outdated tanks on a one for one basis, or something like that. As far as I know, S-300 are not on the shopping list. Though they haven't told us the details yet. So it's not impossible. I suspect more Flankers are part of the package, as well as naval assets.

"92 tanks" Oh its a lot more than that.

But the S-300 is the wild card here. I am not sure Venezuela needs such a complicated and advanced air defense system, but hey Iran go it, so the S-300 can jump in sooner or later

 

[Feanor]

Really? What have you heard in terms of numbers? Sources are appreciated.

 

[001]

Venezuela to get S-300

Really? What have you heard in terms of numbers? Sources are appreciated.

I was just reading this post about Venezuela and I remembered reading that they are indeed getting the S-300 system in the $2bn deal -Chavez - "The money would be used to buy arms including 92 T-72 tanks and an S-300 rocket launch system, he said. " It wont let me post the link but Its on the BBC news website just Google it .

 

[Spetsznaz]

Really? What have you heard in terms of numbers? Sources are appreciated.

Its wise on my part to assume that when the government claims something of how much they have of military hardware, they probably have more than they claim

 

[StevoJH]

Its wise on my part to assume that when the government claims something of how much they have of military hardware, they probably have more than they claim

Not when purchasing from overseas where you generally need end user certificates and stuff, plus the company selling the product would often release the full details so they can say "look, our stuff is so cool that xx has bought 5,000 of them" or whatever.

Good advertising.

 

[Feanor]

Russian press reported the alleged sale numbers at 92. I have seen the older 100-300 cite, and the newer 92. There is no reason, in my mind, to doubt the figures, unless we have other sources.

 

[Feanor]

Some updates, deliveries are continuing on air defense systems. The ZU-23-4 upgrade, and the Pechora-2M (S-125 upgrade) in this case. It seems that Venezuela ordered quite a few Pechora-2Ms (11 btlns worth of) which will make them the staple of Venezuela air defense, compared to the relatively uncommon S-300VMs.

http://i-korotchenko.livejournal.com/821905.html
http://bmpd.livejournal.com/731796.html

EDIT: And on the subject of maintenance, Venezuelan Mi-35M2s are going to Russia for maintenance and overhaul.

On a side note, wtf is an Mi-35M2? As far as I knew, they were regular Mi-35Ms. Could be a mistake on the part of the newspaper, or something new entirely.

http://lenta.ru/news/2014/02/04/mi35m2/

EDIT2: And apparently the entire fleet of Mi-35Ms has been inoperable since last spring, due to poor maintenance.

http://bmpd.livejournal.com/734071.html

 

[Feanor]

Also it looks like the BPPU combat module from Murom TeploZavod was installed on Venezuelan AMX VTT/VCI light armor vehicles. It's the same basic module as the BTR-82 and MT-LB upgrades use, but it has the 2A42 cannon instead of the 2A72, and it has the AGS-17 grenade launcher in addition.

ЧиÑло жертв беÑпорÑдков в Киеве доÑтиглÐ5 | РИРÐовоÑти

 

[Spacearrow99]

If the Priboy even gets built. Or the Lavina for that matter. I think effectively 4 types of landing ships is a bad idea (original 11711s, modified 11711s, Priboy and Lavina). The next GPV is supposed to have a ground forces emphasis.

The Russians have to build a decent size carrier and amph force. During the coming decades, Russia will be exporting far more goods by sea than today. A Russian carrier group and a decent sized amph force off Venezuela would basically stop any attempted American led conflict.

 

[Traveller]

The Russians have to build a decent size carrier and amph force. During the coming decades, Russia will be exporting far more goods by sea than today. A Russian carrier group and a decent sized amph force off Venezuela would basically stop any attempted American led conflict.

I believe Russia's main exports are natural resources and its reserves dwarf those of Venezuela. What is it Russia needs to protect in Latin America? Most Russian trade is to the west and south of Russia on the continent. Russia’s Top Trading Partners

Why would Russia attempt to sustain a carrier battle group off Venezuela? I don't see the link between any export growth by sea or land and a naval expedition to an area of dubious relevance....

 

[vonnoobie]

I believe Russia's main exports are natural resources and its reserves dwarf those of Venezuela. What is it Russia needs to protect in Latin America? Most Russian trade is to the west and south of Russia on the continent. Russia’s Top Trading Partners

Why would Russia attempt to sustain a carrier battle group off Venezuela? I don't see the link between any export growth by sea or land and a naval expedition to an area of dubious relevance....

Well Russia has had a number of naval exercises over the last decade there and on a few occasions even sent in Tu-160's. I would say Venezuela is actually very important to Russia if Maduro is able to retain office as it keeps a strong Russian influence in place and a healthy export market for Russian ground force equipment while Venezuela becomes to Russia what Cuba was to the Soviet Union. If Maduro is unable to hold onto power and Guaido secures the office then Russian influence will likely erode as they tied there egg's to Maduro at which point Russia would have to find another nation in the region or give up altogether.

That said any Russian force there would not be in the form of a CBG. It might be a destroyer, some frigates, some support ships, Perhaps a Kilo class submarine but nothing large. More just a show of force rather then something to tip the scales.

 

[Stampede]

The hypothetical task force would also have an ocean going tug.

Regards S