Venezuela close to confirming deal for Chinese K-8 trainers

Venezuela hopes to confirm a deal for 24 Hongdu K-8 trainers from China during president Hugo Chavez's official visit to Beijing this week. "We're going to buy Chinese K-8 aircraft," Chavez revealed during a weekly television broadcast to Venezuelans. Delivery will begin in 2009, he said, adding that they were "excellent aircraft for the boys".

The K-8 basic jet trainer was jointly developed with Pakistan and was inducted into both services in the early 1990s. It can also be used as a light attack aircraft, and has been exported to countries including Egypt, Myanmar, Sudan and Zimbabwe.

In the broadcast, Chavez reiterated that the country would continue with its military procurements despite criticism from the USA. "We continue working on the issue of military equipment, even though they accuse me of launching an arms race," he said. "I'm not launching an arms race. Military expenditures are necessary for the country's defence."

Venezuela used to buy almost all of its military equipment from the USA. However, strained bilateral relations after Chavez's election meant that Washington refused to sell spare parts for the Lockheed Martin F-16s that Caracas bought in the 1980s. With its stare coffers boosted over the last few years due to a rise in oil prices, the country has been looking elsewhere for its weapons.

Russia has been the main beneficiary. Deliveries of 24 Sukhoi Su-30MK2 fighters, which the Chavez administration ordered in 2006, ended this year. Venezuela's army is also receiving 53 Mil Mi-17V5 transport, Mi-26T heavylift and Mi-35M2 combat helicopters. In December 2007, the country signed a contract for an initial four Kazan Ansat light utility helicopters. It also plans to buy a mix of Ilyushin Il-76 transports and Il-78 tankers to replace the ageing Lockheed Martin C-130s.

Beijing, however, has been keen to boost its domestic arms industry and is actively promoting its indigenous aircraft in South America, Africa and South-East Asia. Apart from the K-8, China has also offered to sell the Harbin Aircraft Z-9, a licensed copy of Eurocopter's AS365N Dauphin. In addition, its Chengdu J-10 and Chengdu/PAC JF-17 fighters could also be touted as alternatives to Russian and US aircraft.