Venezuela shifts military focus from Russian to Western arms
Venezuela has decided to focus on modernising Western weapon systems, moving away from Russian sources, reports the Ukrainian portal Defense Express. This decision arises from challenges in acquiring parts for the Russian T-72 tank. One of Russia's key partners in this region has realised that it must begin investing in its own industry rather than relying on Russia.
Venezuela has adopted a new military development strategy through to 2030, concentrating on upgrading Western weapon systems. This choice results from difficulties in obtaining parts for the Russian T-72, leading authorities to invest in French AMX-30 tanks.
Venezuela's new military strategy
Venezuela is changing its approach to modernising its armed forces. Instead of investing in Russian technology, which is challenging to maintain due to the conflict in Ukraine, the country has chosen to focus on Western systems. Venezuela has a diverse arsenal, including 92 T-72B tanks and 81 AMX-30 tanks, and the military and political leadership have understood that maintaining French designs will be easier than the Russian ones.
Venezuela also has 78 light Scorpion-90 tanks and 31 AMX-13 tanks. In terms of light armoured vehicles, the army possesses 123 BMP-3 vehicles, 114 BTR-80A, and almost 80 American Dragoon 300 and 80 V-100/V-150s. Venezuelan artillery forces are equipped with 48 Msta-S howitzers, 13 Nona-SVK, and 24 BM-21 Grads.
Venezuela also possesses 13 French 155-mm self-propelled Mk F3 howitzers and 12 towed M114 howitzers. Additionally, the army has in its arsenal 40 towed 105-mm M101 and OTO Melara Mod 56 howitzers and 20 LAR-160 rocket systems. Furthermore, Venezuela maintains 21 Su-30MKV fighters and 18 F-16s, although their technical condition is unclear.
Venezuela's air defence relies on Russian systems, such as 44 S-125 launchers, nine Buk-M2E, and 12 S-300VM launchers. The new strategy seeks to reduce dependence on Russian supplies and emphasise Western technologies.
It's worth noting that the mentioned T-72 tanks, which Venezuelan authorities may struggle 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 modernisations, the most notable being the T-72B3. This equipment is outfitted with a new Sosna-U sight and upgraded reactive armour compared to its predecessors. The T-72B3 uses the 2A46M 125 mm gun for targeting, supported by PKT machine guns with 7.62 mm and 12.7 mm calibres.
