The Venezuelan air force is reconsidering its plans to acquire 48 MiG-29M2 fighters and four two-seat trainers, despite having opened negotiations on the proposed $1.7 billion deal late last year.
The service is now examining alternatives to revamp its faltering fleet of Dassault Mirage 5 and Lockheed Martin F-16 fighters, following a negative air force assessment of the MiG-29.
Local sources say Russia’s Rosboronexport agency recently tabled a number of rival proposals, including an offer worth around $275 million to supply 25-30 Sukhoi Su-27SKs to be drawn from Russian air force stocks and upgraded with Su-35 avionics and mission systems.
Another alternative covers the procurement of a similar number of new-build Su-30MKs, potentially to be produced by India’s Hindustan Aeronautics to reduce programme costs.
A final decision on the air force’s revised fighter acquisition strategy is expected next year.
- Nigeria is rebuilding its air force by purchasing 12 F-7 fighters from China, as well as three trainers. The fighters will cost about $18 million each, the trainers a bit less.
Source: Flight Daily News
