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Venezuela intends to acquire a second batch of Hongdu K-8W armed jet trainers from China, according to President Hugo Chavez.
Revealing the plan on 6 June during his weekly television programme, Chavez said the aircraft are intended to equip a second squadron, and to replace the air force's remaining Canadair VF-5A/Bs.
Indicating that a further 22 K-8Ws would be acquired, Chavez says $82 million has been set aside for the purchase.
The Venezuelan air force in March took delivery of its first six K-8Ws from an 18-aircraft order signed in late 2008. The type was acquired to fill a gap left following the retirement of its last Rockwell T-2D Buckeyes.
Although used primarily for advanced training duties, the new type is also expected to perform light strike tasks, as shown by its participation in an exercise earlier this month alongside the air force's Sukhoi Su-30s and Lockheed Martin F-16s.
The follow-on purchase raises questions as to whether the Venezuelan government will pursue the acquisition of 18 twin-engined Hongdu L-15 lead-in fighter trainers previously evaluated by air force personnel.
Meanwhile, the Venezuelan government is also negotiating possible further equipment purchases with Russia.
An undisclosed number of Ilyushin Il-114MP maritime patrol and strike aircraft are understood to be on its wishlist, along with 10 Mil Mi-28N attack helicopters and 12 Antonov An-148 transports.
Venezuela will add to armed K-8 fleet, says Chavez
Revealing the plan on 6 June during his weekly television programme, Chavez said the aircraft are intended to equip a second squadron, and to replace the air force's remaining Canadair VF-5A/Bs.
Indicating that a further 22 K-8Ws would be acquired, Chavez says $82 million has been set aside for the purchase.
The Venezuelan air force in March took delivery of its first six K-8Ws from an 18-aircraft order signed in late 2008. The type was acquired to fill a gap left following the retirement of its last Rockwell T-2D Buckeyes.
Although used primarily for advanced training duties, the new type is also expected to perform light strike tasks, as shown by its participation in an exercise earlier this month alongside the air force's Sukhoi Su-30s and Lockheed Martin F-16s.
The follow-on purchase raises questions as to whether the Venezuelan government will pursue the acquisition of 18 twin-engined Hongdu L-15 lead-in fighter trainers previously evaluated by air force personnel.
Meanwhile, the Venezuelan government is also negotiating possible further equipment purchases with Russia.
An undisclosed number of Ilyushin Il-114MP maritime patrol and strike aircraft are understood to be on its wishlist, along with 10 Mil Mi-28N attack helicopters and 12 Antonov An-148 transports.
Venezuela will add to armed K-8 fleet, says Chavez
