It is one year since March 5 in Caracas at the age of 58, the President of Venezuela, the head of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela, Hugo Rafaeel Chavez Friias, died.
A true son of his homeland, carrying Indian and Creole blood, he was born into a family with a long revolutionary tradition. Chavez's maternal ancestor was an active participant in the Civil War of 1859-1863, fought under the leadership of the people's leader Esequiel Zamora. Great-grandfather became famous for the fact that in 1914 he raised an anti-dictatorial uprising, which was brutally suppressed.
At a young age, Hugo Chavez dreamed of becoming a professional baseball player. Chavez kept his hobby for baseball until the end of his life. As a child, he painted well, and at the age of twelve he received his first prize at a regional exhibition. In 1975 he graduated with the rank of junior lieutenant from the Military Academy of Venezuela.
Chavez served in the airborne units, and the paratrooper's red beret later became an integral part of his image. In 1982 (according to other sources - while studying at the academy) Chavez founded with his colleagues an underground revolutionary organization, which later became known as the "Revolutionary Bolivarian Movement", named after the hero of the Latin American War of Independence Simon Bolivar.
You can treat this person in different ways, but no one will deny the presence in him of great personal charm, a lively mind and charisma. It is not easy to stay in power for 13 years in a Latin American republic with a long tradition of military coups. It should be noted that Chavez was a true patriot of his country, caring for its prosperity and the needs of ordinary people. Under him, the oil and gas industry of the country was nationalized, the proceeds from the sale of natural resources began to go to the state budget in greater volumes and were spent on social needs. Hugo Chavez has done a lot to improve the availability and development of education and health care. Funds were allocated annually from the profits from the export of energy resources to increase the level of the minimum wage by 10%. Unsurprisingly, he was quite popular in his country.
But few people now remember that before coming to power as the legally elected president, he tried to seize power by force. In just one decade, the administration of former President Carlos Perez has survived two military coup attempts. It was the country's air force that played a significant role in them. The first rebellion was led by the future president of Venezuela, Colonel Hugo Chavez. But the scattered demonstrations that broke out on February 4, 1992, were quickly suppressed, by units loyal to the president, and Chavez himself went to jail.
1992 to 1994 Chavez was under arrest
The second attempted rebellion took place on November 27 of the same 1992. It would have been an "ordinary" rebellion, but during this rebellion the most serious air battles of the early 90s took place. The mutiny was orchestrated by Venezuelan Air Force Brigadier General Visconti, Chavez's closest associate. But the events of the 27th were preceded by intense preparation. First of all, the general gathered almost all the aircraft at the El Libertador airbase (near Palo Negro) under the pretext of preparing an air parade for Aviation Day. There were nine OV-10 Bronco from the Grupo Aereo de Operacion Speciale. 15 (usually on Maracaibo), all 24 F-16A / B from Grupo Aereo de Combat. 16, 16 Mirages IIIEV / 5V from Grupo Aereo de Caza.11 (at that time in the country there were only two modernized Mirage 50EVs and a few CF-5S received from Canada. Eight C-130Hs, six G.222s and two Boeing 707s were added to all this "splendor", helicopters were concentrated at the base - eight "Super Pumas" and twelve "Iroquois".
The mutiny began at 03:30 local time: General Visconti personally led the assault detachments of one of the battalions of the 42nd Airborne Brigade. With these fighters, in a short time he managed to take control of the command center of the airbase. Another group took over the Martial Sucre flight academy in Boca del Rio. The main target here was the Grupo Aereode Entreinamiento 7 and 14. These were the training T-37, AT-27 and T-2D, which could be used as light attack aircraft. And an hour later, a small group of soldiers were and soldiers of the special forces detachment seized a television studio in Caracas, from where they played a cassette with a recording of Chavez's speech. Not everyone, however, supported the rebellion. Pilots of the F-16A on duty, Captain Helimenas Labarca and Lt. Vielma, immediately after the start of the clashes, lifted their planes into the air and headed to the Baracuisimento airbase, where the F-5A fighters and the T-2D training aircraft were based. We had to take off in a great hurry, without compensating suits, we only managed to grab helmets.
F-16A Venezuelan Air Force
When it became clear that no one would voluntarily surrender power, several rebel helicopters attacked army barracks in the capital. However, they were already waiting for them, and one helicopter was shot down by the fire of anti-aircraft heavy machine guns and fell nearby. All four soldiers on board were killed. At 18:15, several Mirages appeared over loyal government forces in Fuerte Tiuna (west of Caracas). At the same time, a mixed group of 10-12 light attack aircraft (Bronco, Tucano and Bakai) attacked the presidential palace and the Foreign Ministry building. On several runs, the rebel pilots fired several dozen 70-mm NARs, and dropped several 250 pound bombs. In the meantime, only two fighters remained at the disposal of the president: these were the F-16A, hijacked at Baracuisimeno. At 07:00, not without hesitation, after several urgent orders, the pilots (all the same "deserters") lifted them into the air to intercept the attack aircraft. However, according to their reports, they did not manage to meet a single enemy in the air. Then the F-16s headed for the rebel airbase and made several calls, firing at the empty runway with the ammunition of their 20-mm cannons. Meanwhile, the army's air defense was much more successful. Around the same time, not far from Caracas, one Bronco was shot down by the joint efforts of the crews of anti-aircraft machine guns and 40-mm L-70 Bofors cannons. The crew ejected and was captured.
This OV-10A Bronko from the 15th AGSO was shot down over Caracas on November 27, 1992.
Finding his bearings in the situation and identifying the hijacked F-16A as a potential danger, the leader of the revolt, Visconti, gave the order to strike at Baracuisimento. Two Mirages and several Broncoes were allocated for the raid. The air defense of the base was not ready for such a turn of events and at least three old F-5A (tactical numbers 6719, 7200 and 8707) from GAdC 12 (Escuadron 363) were destroyed on the ground and the civilian liner MD-80 was damaged by cannon fire. The pilots reported eight destroyed F-5A.
F-5A Venezuelan Air Force
However, it was not possible to do without losses: the returning Labarca and Vielma attacked the attackers on the move. As a result, Lieutenant Vielma shot down two OV-10Es. One of the pilots was killed, and the second crew member ejected safely. Apparently, Vielma's plane also received some damage, since after rearmament and refueling, only Mr. Labarca took off to cover the capital.
The position of the rebels in the capital by this moment was unenviable: government troops pressed them all over the city, even were able to recapture the television studio. At noon, all available army units began to move from Palo Negro. In order to delay their advance, the rebels threw all the cash "Tucano" and "Bronco". In addition, another raid was carried out on the Milflores presidential palace. And again, besides unguided rockets, bombs were also used in large numbers. When the attack by the stormtroopers was in full swing, Mr. Labarque appeared over the battlefield. But hitting non-high-speed maneuverable attack aircraft was a very difficult task. In addition, the capital is located in a hollow between two heights, so Labarque had to maneuver rather carefully, moreover, it was extremely important not to hit civilian targets on the ground. Assessing the situation, only on the second approach did he manage to hit one Tucano from the Vulcan (and this was done masterfully, the pilot opened fire from 1000 meters, and finished only 400 from the target).
AT-27 Tucano from the 14th UTAG of the Venezuelan Air Force
However, all these evolutions ate up the fuel supply and the pilot turned around and began to leave in the direction of the base. After a while, the captain had to endure several unpleasant seconds when he noticed not far from himself the "Mirage" of the rebels. However, the pilots did not use weapons, since the shooting down of one of them meant numerous casualties at the site of the enemy's fall. Having circled over the city, the planes dispersed peacefully.
Mirage - IIIEV Venezuelan Air Force
Despite the obvious threat in the air, the attack aircraft continued their work. However, danger lurked them almost everywhere: the next OV-10E was damaged by the fire of large-caliber machine guns. One engine stalled, but the crew decided to land the attack aircraft on the other. It seemed that luck was close, however, 300 meters before the runway, the second engine also failed, two pilots had no choice but to eject. In the meantime, another Bronco was shot down by the Roland air defense missile system. The pilot released the landing gear and began to move away from the city, trying to bring down the fire. Despite the pilot's efforts, the attack aircraft fell directly onto the runway.
At about 13:00, all the remaining rebel aircraft returned to base. Then both F-16s stormed them again. Airfields at Sucre and Palo Negro were also attacked two hours later. By evening, it became clear that the mutiny had failed and Visconti with 92 other officers left the country aboard the military transport C-130H.
C-130 Venezuelan Air Force
Its final destination was Peru. Two pilots of "mirages" (one of whom survived the "battle" with Labarca) sent their planes to the airport of Amba (a small island under the Dutch protectorate), another "Bronco" landed in Curacao. Several more Super Pumas were used for escape and then collected at several sites in the country. In total, at least a thousand soldiers and officers were arrested. Despite the failure of the rebellion, Chavez was able to break through to power. In 1996, he received a pardon from President Rafael Zeldera.
At that time, few people remembered the rebellious colonel. But thanks to the complete bankruptcy of the current regime, mired in corruption and the promise of a fair distribution of oil revenues, he managed to win the presidential elections in December 1998.
The F-16A pilots, who put their modest efforts to the failure of the mutiny, naturally failed to make careers in the Air Force. Lt Vielma was sent to the United States to train as a T-2D instructor. However, his business trip was soon over, his poor knowledge of English became a hindrance. It is not known whether he continues his service at the present moment. Captain Labarca deserted, but the ball was found and arrested. In order not to "wash dirty linen in public" and not to make public the reasons for such an inadequate act, the "hero of the nation" was admitted to have a mental disorder and was sent to a mental hospital.
In April 2002, another attempted military coup took place in Venezuela. Chavez was forced to renounce power, but for only two days - the paratroopers loyal to him, under the threat of the use of force, forced the rebels to return powers, and Chavez returned from exile as a triumphant.
Hugo Chavez did a lot to strengthen the defense of his country. On his initiative, contracts were concluded for the purchase of large consignments of modern weapons.
At the moment, almost all branches of the armed forces of Venezuela have received Russian weapons, with the exception of the naval forces.
In 2012 alone, the supply of Russian arms to Venezuela is estimated at almost $ 2 billion. Including deliveries in 2004-2011. (about 3.5 billion dollars) the total volume of Russian military exports to Venezuela at the end of December 2012 is about 5.5 billion dollars.
In particular, 24 Su-30MKV fighters, 100,000 AK-103 assault rifles, more than 40 Mi-17V-5 multipurpose helicopters, 10 Mi-35M2 attack helicopters, 3 Mi-26T2 heavy transport helicopters, several types of helicopter simulators were purchased. thousand Dragunov rifles, Igla MANPADS, 2S12A Sani 120-mm mortars and other weapons.
In September 2009, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez announced a decision to create an integrated layered air defense system. It will include Russian short, medium and long-range air defense systems.
The ground forces of Venezuela have acquired 23-mm twin anti-aircraft guns ZU-23M1-4, which provide air defense for the brigades of the Ground Forces. In addition to anti-aircraft installations, the Igla-S MANPADS entered service with these batteries.
In 2012, large deliveries of armored vehicles, missile and artillery weapons and air defense systems were implemented. In particular, in 2012, the deliveries of MBT T-72B1V were completed (in total, 92 units were delivered in 2011-2012), BMP-3M (in total, 120 units were delivered in 2011-2012), BTR-80A (total in 2011 -2012 delivered 120 units), self-propelled 120-mm mortars 2S23 “Nona-SVK” (total delivered 24 units), 122-mm BM-21 “Grad” (total in 2011-2012 delivered 24 units.). In 2012, supplies of the S-125 "Pechora-2M" air defense system and 23-mm ZU-23M1-4 air defense systems continued.
Self-propelled launcher S-125 "Pechora-2M" air defense system of Venezuela
Venezuela is currently undergoing an era of profound transformations, including in the armed forces. Under Chavez, a large-scale reform of the Air Force and Air Defense of the Bolivarian Republic began. This branch of troops in the conditions of modern wars is one of the most significant. Given the uneasy leadership relationship
Venezuela with the United States, the presence of a combat-ready and well-armed air force is the guarantor of peace and stability in the region.
Reforming the country's air force has become a real problem for the Chávez government. Generals who had undergone military training in the United States were removed from the posts of the Supreme Command of the Air Force, and instead of them new military cadres were called up to the army aviation who supported the revolutionary-nationalist views of the leader of the state. Back in 2005, in Spain, there was a case with the "leak" of documents of the NATO operational-headquarters plan, which was directed against Venezuela and bore the name "Operation Balboa". This NATO plan provided for the delivery of massive air strikes against Venezuela from the territory of the Dutch Antilles, which are located just a few tens of kilometers from the capital of Venezuela, the city of Caracas. In recent years, the US Army has deployed an entire network of its military bases in Latin America, which allows it to control almost the entire territory of the continent. US bases are deployed in Honduras, Panama, Paraguay and Colombia.
Su-30 Venezuelan Air Force
With this in mind, Venezuela was actively renovating its fleet. At present, its basis and the main striking power of the country's air force are 24 Russian Su-30MKV fighters. Also in service with the Venezuelan Air Force are 21 F-16A fighters, which were delivered to the country in 1983-1985, of which about 10 aircraft are in combat condition.
Training aircraft, which can also be used as light attack aircraft, is represented by 19 Brazilian-made Embraer EMB 312 Tucano trainer aircraft (32 aircraft ordered in total), 18 Chinese-made Hongdu K-8W Karakorum combat training aircraft (more ordered 22 cars). Also, the Air Force has a small number (up to 4 units) of American-made Rockwell OV-10A / E Bronco light attack aircraft. The military transport aviation includes 10 Russian Il-76MD-90, 6 American C-130H Hercules and up to 8 Chinese Y-8 transport aircraft, which are a copy of the Russian An-12.
Mi-35M Venezuelan Air Force
The helicopter regiments of the Air Force of the Bolivarian Republic are armed with up to 38 Mi-17V5 transport and combat helicopters, 3 Mi-26T2 heavy transport helicopters and 10 Mi-35M multipurpose combat helicopters - all Russian-made vehicles. In addition, the Air Force has 14 helicopters "Eurocopter" AS-332 Super Puma and "Eurocopter" AS-532 AC / UL Cougar of French production.
Satellite image of Google Earth: helicopters of the Venezuelan Air Force at an airfield in the vicinity of Caracas
In June 2006, Hugo Chavez announced the purchase of 24 heavy Su-30MKV fighters (a variant created special for Venezuela based on the Su-30MK2). Shortly thereafter, on July 2, 2006, 2 Russian Su-30MKs, accompanied by an Il-76 military transport aircraft, arrived at the El Libertador airbase to demonstrate their qualities to the leadership of Venezuela and the national air force. As an honorary escort, they were accompanied by three F-16 fighters and two Mirages (they were decommissioned in 2009).
During the visit, Russian Su-30MKs conducted a series of demonstration air battles to assess their flight data and weapons. In training battles, they fought the Mirage 50 and F-16. Particularly striking were the training battles with six F-16 fighters, and then with six Mirage 50 fighters, which were held to demonstrate the capabilities of the Russian N-011VE radar. On July 14, 2006, both fighters returned to Russia, and on July 28, the countries signed a bilateral contract for 1.5 billion dollars, which provided not only the supply of aircraft, but their maintenance, supply of spare parts and weapons, and training of flight technical personnel.
Satellite image of Google Earth: Su-30 of the Venezuelan Air Force
At present, the Venezuelan Air Force is completely satisfied with the quality of the Su-30 fighters delivered to the country. This, in particular, was reported by the media with reference to the chairman of the Bolivarian Civil-Military Front, retired Lieutenant Colonel Hector Herrra. According to him, all the Russian fighters purchased by Venezuela are functioning perfectly. Herrra also stressed that although the Su-30MKV are not 5th generation aircraft, they are excellent in their combat capabilities and flight performance.
Taking into account the composition of the Venezuelan Air Force, it can be assumed that if the United States and its allies try to implement any air expansion against Venezuela, it will end with the victory of the aggressor, but will be accompanied by a large number of losses. Especially if Venezuela continues to buy new aircraft from Russia and China. Moreover, if Venezuela were supported by the whole of Latin America, the chances of success in a hypothetical struggle with the United States would be much more weighty.
Given that Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and a number of other Latin American countries are trying to pursue an increasingly independent foreign policy and lean towards the left, this is not so unrealistic.
Today Venezuela is one of Russia's strategic partners and a major exporter of Russian arms. Currently, negotiations are at various stages on the possible delivery of Su-35S fighters, naval patrol aircraft based on the Il-114 passenger aircraft, the Be-200 amphibious fire aircraft, Mi-28N attack helicopters and light multipurpose Asant helicopters to Venezuela.
For Russia, the death of Hugo Chavez is a great loss. Of course, it will be of great importance for the further development of economic cooperation with Russia whether the current President of Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro, will be able to keep the situation in the country under control.
It should be noted that Hugo Chavez's firm orientation towards expanding military-technical cooperation with Russia largely contributed to the decision of other countries of the Latin American region to purchase weapons and military equipment from Russia. This applies to Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, Ecuador and other countries. On the whole, while Hugo Chavez was President of Venezuela, Russia made a huge breakthrough into the arms market of Latin American countries.
