  |
|
|
|
Chavez's Arming of VenezuelaChanging the Military Balance in Latin AmericaVenezuela's latest purchase of advanced weaponry from Russia could significantly alter the balance of military forces in the United States' backyard.
A few days ago, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, long a thorn in the side of the United States, announced that his country had received two dozen advanced fighter planes from Russia. The fighter jets, designated as Sukhoi Su-30MK Flankers, are just the latest step in Chavez’s plan to arm Venezuela to the point where the South American nation becomes a military force to be reckoned with in the region. Preventing a U.S. InvasionFor the past five years, Venezuela has been purchasing arms of different varieties from Russia, potentially tipping the strategic military balance in Latin America. Chavez has spent billions of dollars buying weapons, often spouting rhetoric about how his arms build-up is designed to prevent an impending American invasion. The purchase of about 100,000 AK-47 assault rifles by Venezuela previously raised eyebrows in Washington and in the region. But despite Mr. Chavez’s fears, it is highly unlikely that the United States is planning an invasion of Venezuela anytime in the near or distant future. Simply put, Venezuela does not represent a direct threat to the United States in any form or fashion, unless one was to consider the possibility of a disruption of oil flows from Venezuela to the United States. But even that scenario is highly unlikely, given Venezuela’s dependence on the capital provided by its oil sales to America. Upgrading Venezuela’s CapabilityRussia’s sale of advanced fighter aircraft to Venezuela will enable Mr. Chavez to upgrade his air capability. Venezuela has a supply of American F-16 fighter jets, but maintenance on the aircraft is limited as a result of a lack of repair parts and basic supplies necessary to keep the planes in the air. The most serious implication of the fighter jet sale is that the balance of military forces in the region could change significantly if Venezuela continues to aggressively pursue advanced weaponry. While the United States may not fear a military confrontation with Chavez’s Venezuela, other regional actors, particularly Columbia, are probably growing more and more concerned. Since coming to power in 1999, Mr. Chavez has sought to consolidate his hold on power while rallying neighboring nations to ally against American influence in Latin America. He has also been receptive to overtures by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, and has sought any venue available for airing his anti-American views. Washington will probably be concerned about Venezuela’s continuing arms build-up, but that concern will be more a result of regional alliance obligations than an actual fear of Venezuelan military capability.
The copyright of the article Chavez's Arming of Venezuela in Venezuela is owned by Greg Reeson. Permission to republish Chavez's Arming of Venezuela in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
|
|
|
|
