via Janes.
Images from the official Twitter account of the Venezuelan Navy indicate that the Bolivarian Naval Infantry could soon be equipped with three different Chinese amphibious fighting vehicles: a development that would make Venezuela's marines one of the most potent amphibious forces in Latin America.The Venezuelan Marines operating VN-1's, 16's and 18's wouldn't put them ahead in the neighborhood.
Images posted on 16 November show a delegation led by Venezuelan Admiral Jairo Avendano Quintero receiving the VN1 8x8 wheeled amphibious infantry fighting vehicle (IFV), while others show the delegation inspecting VN18 and VN16 amphibious IFVs, apparently at a China North Industries Corporation (Norinco) plant.
The Venezuelan Navy confirmed the VN1 purchase in July and the most recent images probably date from then.
They'd merely be keeping pace.
The Brazilian Marines are/will operate AAVs, VTBP-MRs and soon the 8x8 version of that vehicle. Additionally the Brazilians are developing a family of vehicles from that chassis.
The State Dept has been occupied in the Middle East, Europe and the Pacific. The Dept of Defense has been focused on the same areas and in S. America the attention has been all over the map...drug running, illegal migration and the possibility of terrorist using S. America as a conduit to the US.
No one has been paying attention to the massive arms race that is taking place.
You buy a new toy, you use a new toy.
There are lots of new toys in S. America and the buying spree shows no sign of ending soon.
there must be a reason these countries bought chinese military products... price point is acceptable and the product is good enough for 80% of the job , instead of perfect product but hilariously expensive..
ReplyDeleteI disagree with this expression in South América: Arms race...
ReplyDeleteThe armed forces of south america countries, are completely obsoletes, excluding Chile.
Compare the number of weapons/battalions/divisions and etc...
In my opinion, they're only doing replacements programs...