Russia equips Venezuela with Latin America's most extensive arsenal: S-300, T-72, and Su-30

The Venezuelan army has received one of the most extensive Russian arsenals in Latin America. Deliveries include aviation, armored vehicles, artillery, and a layered air defense system. "Pervyi Tekhnicheskiy" has compiled a selection of weapons that protect Caracas.

Aviation

The backbone of the country's Air Force (VVS) consists of Su-30MK2 fighters, capable of reaching speeds of up to 2120 km/h, having a combat radius of up to 1500 km, and carrying up to 8 tons of payload.

Су-30МК2
Image source Airwar/Resa Wahyu Giang

The aircraft use guided air-to-air, air-to-surface missiles, and guided aerial bombs. Venezuela has also received Mi family combat and transport helicopters, expanding the capabilities of army aviation.

Tanks and Armored Vehicles

Russia has completed the delivery of 92 T-72B1 tanks under the 2009 contract. The last 35 vehicles arrived at the port of Puerto Cabello along with BMP-3M infantry fighting vehicles, BTR-80A (8×8) armored personnel carriers, ammunition, and trainers for personnel training.

T-72B1 tanks are the main strike force of the ground forces, capable of operating in any climatic conditions of the region.

Anti-Aircraft Missile Systems

Venezuela's air defense system is strengthened by many domestically developed systems. Below is the nomenclature confirmed by official sources:

The S-300VM "Antey-2500" is capable of destroying aerodynamic targets at a distance of up to 200 kilometers, ballistic targets up to 40 kilometers, and its operating altitude reaches 30 kilometers. The complex performs air defense and anti-missile defense tasks.

С-300ВМ «Антей-2500»
Image source Vitaly Kuzmin

The "Buk-M2E" is a medium-range system capable of engaging targets at a distance of up to 45 kilometers and at an altitude of up to 25 kilometers. It can also simultaneously attack several objects.

The "Pantsir-S1" is a short-range system capable of engaging targets at a distance of up to 20 kilometers. 30-mm artillery is used to protect the anti-aircraft missile system and positions from drones.

The S-125 "Pechora-2M" is a modernized system capable of engaging targets at a distance of up to 35 kilometers and at an altitude of up to 20 kilometers. Its mobility and resistance to electronic interference have been improved as a result of the modernization.

Small Arms

The Venezuelan army has received Kalashnikov assault rifles of the "hundredth" series, which have become standard weapons.

Rosoboronexport emphasized that since 2005, Venezuela has remained Russia's largest partner in Latin America in military-technical cooperation. The composition and scale of new deliveries are not disclosed.