Venezuela-Russia Military Drill in 2009

Venezuela and Russia will carry out joint air maneuvers in 2009, after the naval exercises scheduled next month, military authorities announced here. Venezuelan Military Aviation Commander Luis Berroteran pointed out that the military drills scheduled for late November would basically involve the Navy, because Russia's air forces would not participate. "The air maneuvers between Venezuela and Russia are slated for next year. We could participate in November's exercises if a mock air attack were included, but it has not been stated yet," he said. The officer said in a news conference that the Venezuelan satellite launched on Tuesday is aimed at boosting social development in peacetime rather than having military ends. "Of course, we can benefit from some of its services, like audio, video and data transmissions, but in case of a military aggression we would have to resort to alternative resources," Berroteran noted. He confirmed that Venezuela and China have signed several military agreements, including acquisition of a fleet of K-8 planes and others to watch the country's air space, with support from ten radars bought recently. According to the Bolivarian News Agency (ABN), the first six of 24 K-8 planes that can intercept illegal flights are scheduled to arrive in Venezuela during the first semester of 2009.