Caracas discussing with IAIthe maintenance and upgrade of ageing aircraft amid claims of a US block on spare parts
Venezuela's air force has entered into negotiations with Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) over a range of potential upgrades to its 21 Lockheed Martin F-16A/B fighters, amid complaints of a new US embargo on the delivery of spare parts for the ageing aircraft.
IAI has been asked to offer a maintenance and upgrade programme worth around $30 million that may include the integration of several Israeli-made systems, such as Elbit Systems' Lizard laser-guided bomb kit and Rafael's Litening targeting pod.
Venezuela has in recent years contracted Belgium's Sabca to complete a structural upgrade and Samsung to overhaul the Pratt &Whitney F100-200 engines of its F-16s, which have been in service for over 20 years.
The urgency of the discussions with IAI have increased as a new dispute has surfaced between Caracas and the US government, with Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez accusing US officials of blocking the delivery of F-16 spares. The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency, which manages Foreign Military Sales (FMS) transactions, says Venezuela is not subject to an arms embargo, but may be feeling the effects of sanctions brought on by the country's reported non-compliance with the US Trafficking in Persons Act. Venezeula is among a handful of nations including Cuba, Ecuador and North Korea that are under sanctions that include the loss of FMS privileges with the US government.
Venezuela is also reported to have begun discussions with Russia over the potential purchase of around 50 RSKMiG-29 fighters and is believed to be close to concluding a contract with an Aermacchi/Alenia/Embraer consortium for AMX-T lead-in fighter trainers. It is also poised to sign an approximately $150 million contract with EADSCasa for six C-295 tactical transports, plus six options. The Venezuelan army will also receive 20 Mil Mi-17 utility and 13 Mi-35 assault/transport helicopters.
ARIE EGOZI / TEL AVIV
ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY STEPHEN TRIMBLE
Source: Flight International
