Russia to Supply, T72 Tanks, Helicopters, Advanced S-300 system, Fighter Jets

Tehran, January 11, 2010 (Hamsayeh.Net) - Russian armament industries would soon deliver rocket launchers, attack helicopters, tanks and other weapons to Venezuela, as Caracas plans to reinforce troops along the border with the neighboring Colombia, RIA Novosti reported.

 

Hugo Chavez, the Venezuelan President, announced plans to strengthen troops and increase their combat readiness by supplying Russian made T-72 tanks along the border with Colombia. ‘We are expecting the arrival of the first shipment of tanks [from Russia] which will be sent to Barracas (in the state of Barinas) to reinforce a motorized infantry brigade,’ Chavez said on his weekly national TV program, Alo Presidente, on Sunday.

 

Venezuela and most other Latin American countries view closer military tie between Washington and Bogotá, as a dangerous development in that part of the world. Last year, Pentagon signed a military contract with the government of Colombia to use seven military bases under the cover of anti-drugs operations. But Venezuela dismissed their claim saying the joint US-Colombia cooperation is a clear sign of aggression against Caracas and called for the Venezuelan people to prepare for a possible war.

 

The Venezuelan government signed military contracts with Russia worth over 4 billion euros, between 2005 and 2007. The Russian side is to supply arms to Venezuela, including fighter jets, tanks, combat helicopters, and the world-famous Kalashnikov assault rifles.