Vurl: 1029986 caption: Venezuela – Air Force Summary

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23,000

F-16 Fighting Falcon, Su-30MK2V ‘Flanker-G’

Canadair VF-5A

OV-10 Bronco, K-8

Falcon 20, C-26A Metro III

C-130H Hercules

Boeing 707

Caravan, Turbo Stationair, Shorts 360

Super Puma, Cougar, Mi-17

Airbus ACJ, King Air 200, Citation, Falcon 20

Aermacchi SF-260EV, EMB-312 Tucano, K-8

Since the mid-1950s, Venezuelan Military Aviation (Aviacion Militar Venezolana - AMV), formerly the Venezuelan Air Force (Fuerza Aérea Venezolana - FAV), has been one of the most efficient and best-equipped air arms in Latin America. For many years it relied upon the US and Europe for equipment, but deteriorating relationships with the US have resulted in several procurement projects being stalled, and eventually abandoned, with potentially damaging consequences for capability.

Not surprisingly, Venezuela has turned to other suppliers in order to maintain its armed forces and concluded a military co-operation agreement with Russia as early as May 2001. More recently, Venezuela has embarked upon an ambitious acquisition programme, including fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. In addition to obtaining substantial numbers of Mil attack and assault helicopters for the army, the most recent major procurement programme centres around the Sukhoi Su-30MK2V multirole fighter, with all of the 24 examples having now been delivered. There is an intention to acquire a batch of up to 16 Sukhoi Su-35 Super Flankers once the aircraft is available for export (around 2010), as well as new heavy lift transport aircraft, tankers, advanced trainers, reconnaissance and airborne early warning aircraft and strategic air defence systems. Such acquisitions would enhance an already formidable Venezuelan capability. This prospect has caused concern, particularly in the US, as it would give Venezuela a significant regional advantage over neighbouring states, especially Colombia, whose air arm is principally structured and equipped to conduct counter-insurgency operations.

The change from predominantly US-made aircraft to Russian and Chinese hardware is likely to require considerable adaptation and training of Venezuelan pilots in order to reach proficiency.

The Air Force has adapted to the emerging threats thanks to an ambitious re-equipment programme. This has included the long awaited acquisition of new lead in fighter trainers (LIFT) in the form of the CATIC K-8 which will be also the first aircraft acquired expressively for anti-narcotic operations. A law that allows the air force and air defence forces to shoot down un-identified and un-cooperative aircraft is also being drafted to address new threats. A new air defence system is being created and this has led to the adoption of new doctrine, the air force will be the leading agency operating it.

The Air Force conducted routine reserve refresher training, however the availability of new equipment and political distrust in the retired officer corps has hampered this.

The Integrated Aerospace Defence Command reports directly to the armed force’s Strategic Operations Command and as such is the main body in charge of air defence. The Sukhoi Su-30Mk’s and the F-16’s form the first line of defence in the country and these will be soon joined by the K-8’s which will perform anti-narcotic patrols. A missile defence system is in the process of being designed with help from Russia, China and Belarus.

The AMV has the mission of securing national defence through the dominance of airspace, contributing to the maintenance of internal order and actively participating in the country’s development, employing national airpower to guarantee territorial integrity and independence and the nation’s sovereignty.

The AMV provides transport and logistic support for Venezuela’s international peacekeeping efforts.

The Venezuelan Air Force is involved in various joint operations with Bolivia. In June 2006 a pair of Venezuelan AS-532AC Cougar helicopters from the 10^th Special Operations Air Group were deployed to Bolivia. The helicopters were integrated into the Bolivian Air Force but continue to be maintained by Venezuelan air force personnel.

In 2009 Venezuela’s remaining six Mirage 50 fighter-bombers were donated to the Ecuadorian Air Force along with spares and missiles. Venezuelan personnel trained Ecuadorian crews for transition into the new fighters in Venezuela and in Ecuador.

There are two Falcon VIP jets deployed to Havana, Cuba where they are at the disposal of the Fidel and Raul Castro. They operate in civilian markings but are owned by the Venezuelan Air Force.

4. Command and control

Table 1. 

There is a Chief of Staff, who is the second-in-command, with operational and other resources assigned to four subordinate commands: Personnel Operations Command; Air Operations Command; Logistics Operations Command; and the recently reformed Integral Aerospace Defence Command (CADAI). The Inspector General is responsible for assisting the General Command with supervision and evaluation of all aviation-related activities.

CADAI has been re-assigned during 2009 and is directly controlled by the Strategic Operational Command (CEO), although on paper it still forms part of the Air Force.

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The AMV is rganized into four fighter groups (11, 12, 13 and 16), one training group (14), two special operations groups (10 and 15), four transport groups (4, 5, 6 and 9) and one group tasked with electronic missions (85).

The Integral Aerospace Defence Command comprises six surveillance (radar) squadrons and three Air Defence Artillery (ADA) squadrons.

5.1. Order of Battle

Table 2. 

Tactical and operational doctrines are largely those of the US Air Force, but several changes are taking place from the acquisition of Russian combat aircraft and the adoption of a socialist oriented doctrine in the armed forces.

Table 3. 

The 23,000 professional personnel that make up the air force are composed of 18% of officers, 34% of non-commissioned officers and 48% of troops. It is a gender equal service since 2002.

Recruitment into the Military Aviation School is limited to around 150 cadets each year, it has not experienced any difficulties in obtaining properly qualified personnel.

Morale in the older officer corps has deteriorated considerably, however a new breed of officer corps is being formed, one that has political loyalty to the government and is affiliated to the Socialist Party.

Funds have been allocated for training levels to be maintained at adequate levels and Venezuela fighter pilots have performed adequately in international exercises.

Since 1988, all officer cadets of Venezuela’s armed services and National Guard attend a common course of two years duration at the Basic Training School at Maracay. Aspiring Military Aviation officers must complete an additional four-year course with the Military Aviation School before securing a commission in the rank of subteniente. After this, the young officer may choose to complete a degree course at either a civilian university or the Armed Forces Polytechnical University. There are also several military-run specialist schools, the courses of which must be successfully completed for promotion, as well as a Command and Staff School for the training of general staff and higher grade officer ranks. Venezuela also trains officers from several of the smaller countries in the region by arrangement with their respective governments.

Listing of training centres and geographic locations traditionally used for training.

The Venezuelan military carried out a series of military exercises in June 2008 using new equipment sourced mainly from Russia. These took place near the military base on La Orchila Island, off the Caribbean coast to the north of Caracas. According to the then Defence Minister, Gustavo Rangel Briceño, the exercises simulated an attack by a hostile power, with mock enemy units being targeted. A mock enemy vessel was targeted by missiles (Otomat MK2) and Su-30 fighter aircraft, which launched ‘Kingbolt’ and ‘Kedge’ air-to-surface missiles for the first time, these exercises being the first for 13 years to involve expenditure of live ammunition. As such, they appear intended to showcase Venezuela's recent acquisitions and particularly the air force’s Su-30s.

In September 2008, two Russian Tu-160 Blackjack strategic bombers arrived in Venezuela for a week long exercise with the Venezuelan armed forces. Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez announced that Russia was its strategic ally and that Russian forces were welcome in Venezuela.

In June 2009 the air force deployed 130 personnel as well as Su-30MK, F-16 and VF-5 fighters to perform Operation Pereu-Geminis on Margarita island. The exercise included launching air to air missiles.

On June 26-30, the Su-30MK’s performed TV and laser guided missile launches as part of exercise Urimare 01-09 over the island of Orchila.

8. Air Force procurement

8.1. Requirements

Venezuela has experienced considerable difficulty in acquiring military aircraft from Western sources in recent times. This culminated in the US imposing an arms embargo in late 2006, having previously been successful in preventing sales of aircraft containing US technology, most notably EMB-314 Super Tucano armed trainers from Brazil, L-159 ALCA jet trainers from the Czech Republic and EADS CASA C-295 transport aircraft from Spain.

Venezuela was left with little choice but to seek alternatives and turned to Russia as a prime source of military equipment, including combat aircraft and helicopters. In fact, the Venezuelan government had contemplated acquiring up to 50 MiG-29s from Russia, with a pair of MiG-29s visiting Palo Negro air base in November 2001 for demonstration purposes. At that time, Russia tabled two potential contracts to sell MiG-29s to Venezuela: one offering 12 basic aircraft for USD132 million; and a second of 12 aircraft with a full package of armaments and servicing for USD216 million. In late 2005, however, Venezuela abandoned the idea of buying the MiG-29 after Venezuelan pilots testing the aircraft apparently found it performed poorly when compared to their F-16’s. The AMV began to look at acquiring the Sukhoi Su-30 ‘Flanker’ instead. This eventually culminated in a firm order for 24 Su-30MK2Vs in June 2006, with deliveries commencing in December of the same year. Venezuela has taken delivery of all 24 Sukhoi Su-30MK2s, with the last four being delivered in July 2008.

Sources told Jane's that the Russian aircraft have been declared operational with Kh-59ME (AS-18 'Kazoo') long-range Air-to-Surface Missiles (ASMs), Kh-31P (AS-17 'Krypton') medium-range radar-guided ASMs and Kh-29 (AS-14 'Kedge') medium-range laser- or radar-guided ASMs. They are also armed with KAB-500 and KAB-1500 guided bombs, in laser and electro-optical variants; R-27R/T (AA-10 'Alamo') semi-active and infrared-guided medium-/long-range Air-to-Air Missiles (AAMs); and R-73 (AA-11 'Archer') medium-range AAMs.

Two squadrons are operational and contained within 13th Fighter Air Group in Barcelona. Some aircraft have also been deployed to 11th Fighter Air Group for operational conversion and they will likely be the recipients of a second batch of aircraft if Russia and Venezuela can finalise a contract currently in the final stage negotiations. Up to 12 additional Su-30 aircraft could be part of this new deal, in order to replace its fleet of Mirage 50 aircraft, which were transferred to Ecuador during 2009.

The Venezuelan government is also reportedly in negotiations with China to acquire JF-17 Thunder multi-role fighters that would replace the country’s F-16A/B’s as these run out of spares due to the US embargo.

The air force has identified the Mil Mi-28NE Night Hunter as its selected replacement for its fleet of OV-10 Bronco close air support aircraft. Reports suggest Venezuela may procure a batch of ten Mi-28NE’s helicopters from Russia, but there has been no official confirmation of a contract or the number of aircraft being considered. However, in mid 2009 it was announced that ten K-8 armed trainers would take over the OV-10 Bronco’s role in supporting anti-narcotic operations.

In order to replace the retired G222 and complement the ageing C-130H Hercules, the AMV has a requirement for up to a dozen new transport aircraft. This was partly to be met by the selection in late 2005 of the EADS-CASA C-295M but US content export restrictions put an end to negotiations, with development of a version incorporating French engines and avionics being disregarded on grounds of cost. Subsequently, in late 2006 Venezuela announced that it was considering alternatives from Russia and Ukraine. In December 2007, it became known that Venezuela planned to obtain 10 Ilyushin IL-76MDs and at least two Il-78 tanker-transports, possibly with a portion of the USD1 billion loan for defence equipment secured from Russia in October 2008. This has not translated into a delivery and the Venezuelan Air Force has also reportedly been interested in acquiring six Antonov An-74 Coaler

The air force has also identified the need to replace its fleet of Beech Super King Air and Cessna Citation light transport aircraft with up to six new light transports. These aircraft could be used in the Medical Evacuation role. Additionally, the air force has a requirement for medium lift helicopters.

8.1.3. UAVs

In February 2007 the Venezuelan government signed a memorandum of understanding with Iran for the joint development of a tactical UAV to be used in a variety of roles including intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), border patrol and anti-narcotic operations. Sources indicate that Venezuela recently acquired 12 UAV’s.

Venezuela is reportedly in an advanced stage of negotiations for twelve additional Tor-M1 air defence systems. The Venezuelan government has also expressed interest in acquiring a number of S-300 long-range area defence systems. These are to be incorporated into a new tri-service air defence organization that will be responsible for national air defence.

An air defence upgrade program worth at least USD150 million was launched in 2005 with the purchase of of three Chinese JYL-1 long-range, 3-D surveillance radar systems for the command of military air operations. Another deal is being considered for the acquisition of a new Chinese national defence communications system network, which will be satellite-based, with strong encryption and security capabilities. The new Chinese radar and communications system will replace older US-made radars currently in place. In October 2008, China launched the VENSAT-1 Simon Bolivar, Venezuela’s first communications satellite, paving the way for future co-operation.

In August 2001, Venezuela acquired an Atlas Mistral surface-to-air heat-seeking missile system from France at a cost of USD24 million. Venezuela has also taken delivery of three Rafael / IAI Defender ground-based air defence systems, which combines the BARAK-1 point defence missile with a Thales Netherlands Flycatcher 2 surveillance radar. In addition, a batch of missiles was received from Israel in July 2004; the type of weapon involved has not been disclosed, but it is believed that they were Rafael Python IV air-to-air missiles for use by the F-16 Fighting Falcon.

In September 2008 President Chavez announced the order for 24 HAIG K-8 jet trainers from China, at a reported cost of USD120 million. Eight of the K-8s will complement Venezuela's ageing VF-5D Freedom Fighters at Grupo 12 at Barquisimento airbase, while the remaining 10 will be transferred to Grupo 15 in Barquisimento, where they will begin anti-narcotic operations, taking over and eventually replacing the OV-10’s. A simulator is also included in the deal. Deliveries are expected to start January 2010 to Grupo 12. The order was cut to 18 aircraft in July 2009 due to funding constraints.

There have been reported of Venezuelan interest in the Chinese Hongdu L-15 lead in fighter trainer to replace the ageing VF-5 fleet.

8.1.6. Helicopter

The Venezuelan air force received a first batch of eight Mi-17V-5 medium transport helicopters acquired through a deal worth an estimated US 36 million in 2009. The helicopters had been ordered reportedly since 2007.

The F-5 fleet was upgraded by Singapore Aerospace (SAI) in the early 1990s with new avionics, defensive aids and communications equipment, and surviving aircraft were further upgraded during 2003-2004 by Elbit to allow operations to continue for a further decade. Contacts with Iran have suggested a possible upgrade of the VF-5’s with Iranian assistance, with an Iranian technical delegation arriving in Venezuela during May 2009 for inspection of the VF-5’s.

In 2009 the remaining OV-10 Broncos received new propellers designed to make their operation less noisy. An upgrade for the fleet, contracted with Marsh Aviation in 2005 was not possible. They will be replaced by ten armed K-8’s from late 2010.

Under “Project Tepuy”, which launched in 1999, the air force has modernized three C-130H Hercules as of early 2009 and plans to continue the fleet’s modernization. The service comprises two new AC systems, an avionics modernization, structure inspection and maintenance, as well as a complete overhaul of the hydraulics and mechanical systems.

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Table 5. 

Table 6.