24.02.2012
The Venezuelan Bolivarian Marine Corps will began to receive new Russian-made artillery and armor systems by the end of 2012.
According to
Infodefensa, artillery systems imported from Russia will be 152-mm self-propelled howitzers 2S19
Msta-S, 122-mm multiple launch rocket system BM-21
Grad, and 120-mm towed mortars 2S12
Sani. Armor will be represented by infantry fighting vehicles
BMP-3 and amphibious armored personnel carriers
BTR-80 (eight-by-eight axle configuration).
At present, Venezuelan marines operate 105-mm towed howitzers
Oto Melara M-56 and 120-mm towed mortars
Thomson-Brandt MO120 RT-61.
Armor park includes amphibious vehicles LVT-7 and armored 6x6 personnel carriers EE-11
Urutu made by Brazilian company
Engesa.
At first, Russian arms will reinforce available assets and then fully replace them.
Reportedly, Venezuela plans to establish air cavalry units within Marine Corps and equip them with Russian helicopters
Mi-17V-5.
