Article Posted on : - Sep 18, 2008

MOSCOW (BNS): Venezuela has shown keenness in acquiring Russian Su-35 fighter, whose batch production is scheduled for 2010.

In an interview with Itar-Tass, Rostekhnologii Corporation Director General Sergei Chemezov said that talks were underway for supplies of air defence systems to Venezuela, and modern armoured vehicles, including BMP-3. “In 2009, Russia will complete trials of its Su-35 fighter, and in 2010, it will begin to batch-produce them,” Chemezov said.

The director general is in the South American republic as part of a delegation led by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Igor Sechin.

Itar-Tass reports the officials discussed supplies of Su-30 multi-purpose fighters, MI-17 transport helicopters, and AK-103 and AK-104 Kalashnikov assault rifles. According to the agency a contract has been signed to build a plant in Venezuela for their licensed production and dedicated ammunition. In the last three years both have signed joint contracts worth $ 4.4 billion.