Venezuela shifts focus to Western military gear for 2030 strategy
Venezuela has decided to focus on modernizing Western weapon systems, moving away from Russian supplies, reports the Ukrainian portal Defense Express. The decision comes from difficulties in acquiring parts for the Russian T-72. One of Russia's key partners in this region has realized it must start investing in its own industry instead of relying on Russia.
Venezuela has adopted a new military development strategy through 2030, concentrating on modernizing Western weapon systems. This decision follows troubles in obtaining parts for the Russian T-72, leading authorities to invest in French AMX-30 tanks.
Venezuela's new military strategy
Venezuela is changing its approach to modernizing its armed forces. Moving away from Russian technologies, which are challenging to maintain due to the conflict in Ukraine, the country has decided to focus on Western systems. Venezuela has a diverse arsenal, including 92 T-72B tanks and 81 AMX-30 tanks, and the military and political leadership recognizes that maintaining French designs will be easier than the Russian ones.
Venezuela also has 78 light Scorpion-90 tanks and 31 AMX-13. In the area of light armored vehicles, the army possesses 123 BMP-3 vehicles, 114 BTR-80A, and almost 80 American Dragoon 300 and 80 V-100/V-150. Venezuelan artillery forces are equipped with 48 Msta-S howitzers, 13 Nona-SVK, and 24 BM-21 Grads.
Venezuela also possesses 13 French 155-mm self-propelled Mk F3 howitzers and 12 towed M114 howitzers. Additionally, the army has in its arsenal 40 towed 105-mm M101 and OTO Melara Mod 56 howitzers, and 20 LAR-160 rocket systems. Furthermore, Venezuela maintains 21 Su-30MKV fighters and 18 F-16s, although their technical condition is unknown.
Venezuela's air defense is based on Russian systems, such as 44 S-125 launchers, nine Buk-M2E, and 12 S-300VM launchers. The new strategy aims to decrease dependence on Russian supplies and focus on Western technologies.
It's worth noting that the T-72 tanks, which Venezuelan authorities may have difficulty maintaining, are among the most popular tanks produced in Russia. Their history dates back to the 1970s, and since then, the T-72 has undergone numerous modernizations, the most notable being the T-72B3. This model is equipped with a new Sosna-U sight and an upgraded reactive armor compared to its predecessors. The T-72B3 uses the 2A46M 125 mm gun for attacking targets, supported by PKT machine guns with 7.62 mm and 12.7 mm calibers.
