Venezuela pivots to Western arms, distancing from Russian ties
The Ukrainian portal Defense Express reports that Venezuela has decided to focus on modernizing Western weapon systems and shifting away from Russian supplies. The decision stems from difficulties in acquiring parts for the Russian T-72. Venezuela, a key partner for Russia in this region, has realized that it must start investing in its industry rather than relying on Russia.
Venezuela has adopted a new military development strategy through 2030, emphasizing the modernization of Western weapon systems. This decision resulted from challenges obtaining parts for the Russian T-72, prompting authorities to invest in French AMX-30 tanks.
Venezuela's new military strategy
Venezuela is changing its approach to modernizing its armed forces. Rather than investing in Russian technologies, which are difficult to maintain due to the conflict in Ukraine, the country has decided to focus on Western systems. Venezuela's diverse arsenal includes 92 T-72B tanks and 81 AMX-30 tanks. The military and political leadership realized that maintaining French designs would be easier than maintaining Russian ones.
Venezuela also has 78 light Scorpion-90 tanks and 31 AMX-13 tanks. Regarding light armoured vehicles, the army has 123 BMP-3 vehicles, 114 BTR-80A vehicles, nearly 80 American Dragoon 300 vehicles, and 80 V-100/V-150 vehicles. Venezuelan artillery forces are equipped with 48 Msta-S howitzers, 13 Nona-SVK howitzers, and 24 BM-21 Grad systems.
Venezuela also has 13 French 155-mm self-propelled Mk F3 howitzers and 12 towed M114 howitzers. The army's arsenal also includes 40 towed 105-mm M101 and OTO Melara Mod 56 howitzers, along with 20 LAR-160 rocket systems. Furthermore, Venezuela keeps in service 21 Su-30MKV fighters and 18 F-16 fighters, although their technical condition is unknown.
Venezuela's air defence is based on Russian systems, such as 44 S-125 launchers, nine Buk-M2E systems, and 12 S-300VM launchers. The new strategy aims to increase independence from Russian supplies and prioritize Western technologies.
It's worth noting that the T-72 tanks, which Venezuelan authorities may find difficult to maintain, are among the most popular tanks produced in Russia. Their history dates back to the 1970s, and since then, the T-72 has undergone numerous upgrades, the most notable being the T-72B3. This equipment is outfitted with a new Sosna-U sight and enhanced reactive armour compared to its predecessors. The T-72B3 uses the 125 mm 2A46M gun for attacking targets, aided by PKT machine guns with 7.62 mm and 12.7 mm calibres.
