Forget all that blather about hybrid warfare and 21st Century asymmetric conflict. If you want something that really looks cool at the next tractors 'n' tanks parade, get yourself some conventional Russian hardware.
Appearing yesterday on Aló Presidente, his weekly talk show, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez announced that Russia had extended a credit line worth $2.2 billion toward new arms purchases. As part of the deal, Venezuela will buy 92 T-72 main battle tanks (pictured); Smerch rocket artillery systems; and the Antey 2500 anti-ballistic missile system.
"We have signed the contract already for this equipment," Chavez said. "With these rockets it is going to be very difficult for them to come and bomb us."
It's pretty clear who "they" are. Chavez -- who often refers to the United States as "the empire" -- said the military upgrade was needed to defend Venezuela's oil and gas reserves from the Yankees."We have the largest petroleum reserves in the world," he said. "The empire has set its sights on them."
The Venezuelan military has been on an extended shopping spree for Russian military equipment: In addition to these latest purchases, Venezuela has already acquired two dozen Su-30MK2 fighters and has a license to manufacture Ak-103 assault rifles. And this latest round of purchases comes amid rising tensions between Venezuela and neighboring Colombia over a deal to give the U.S. military access to Colombian military bases.
Chavez has threatened to break relations with Colombia over the deal, but the Venezuelan president isn't the only one complaining. Other Latin American leaders have criticized the arrangement, which became public last month.
[PHOTO: Wikimedia]
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