Venezuela – Air Force
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caption: Venezuela – Air Force
1. Summary
1.1.1. STRENGTH
23,000
1.1.2. COMBAT
F-16 Fighting Falcon, Su-30MK2V ‘Flanker-G’
1.1.3. AIR DEFENCE / ATTACK
Canadair VF-5A
1.1.4. COUNTER-INSURGENCY
OV-10 Bronco, K-8
1.1.5. COMBAT SUPPORT
Falcon 20, C-26A Metro III
1.1.6. TRANSPORT
C-130H Hercules
1.1.7. TANKER-TRANSPORT
Boeing 707
1.1.8. UTILITY
Caravan, Turbo Stationair, Shorts 360
1.1.9. UTILITY HELICOPTER
Super Puma, Cougar, Mi-17
1.1.10. COMMUNICATIONS
Airbus ACJ, King Air 200, Citation, Falcon 20
1.1.11. TRAINER
Aermacchi SF-260EV, EMB-312 Tucano, K-8
2. Assessment
Since the mid-1950s, Venezuelan Military Aviation (Aviacion Militar Venezolana - AMV), formerly the Venezuelan Air Force (Fuerza Aérea Venezolana - FAV), has been one of the most efficient and best-equipped air arms in Latin America. For many years it relied upon the US and Europe for equipment, but deteriorating relationships with the US have resulted in several procurement projects being stalled, and eventually abandoned, with potentially damaging consequences for capability.
Not surprisingly, Venezuela has turned to other suppliers in order to maintain its armed forces and concluded a military co-operation agreement with Russia as early as May 2001. More recently, Venezuela has embarked upon an ambitious acquisition programme, including fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. In addition to obtaining substantial numbers of Mil attack and assault helicopters for the army, the most recent major procurement programme centres around the Sukhoi Su-30MK2V multirole fighter, with all of the 24 examples having now been delivered. There is an intention to acquire a batch of up to 16 Sukhoi Su-35 Super Flankers once the aircraft is available for export (around 2010), as well as new heavy lift transport aircraft, tankers, advanced trainers, reconnaissance and airborne early warning aircraft and strategic air defence systems. Such acquisitions would enhance an already formidable Venezuelan capability. This prospect has caused concern, particularly in the US, as it would give Venezuela a significant regional advantage over neighbouring states, especially Colombia, whose air arm is principally structured and equipped to conduct counter-insurgency operations.
The change from predominantly US-made aircraft to Russian and Chinese hardware is likely to require considerable adaptation and training of Venezuelan pilots in order to reach proficiency.
2.1. Adaptability
The Air Force has adapted to the emerging threats thanks to an ambitious re-equipment programme. This has included the long awaited acquisition of new lead in fighter trainers (LIFT) in the form of the CATIC K-8 which will be also the first aircraft acquired expressively for anti-narcotic operations. A law that allows the air force and air defence forces to shoot down un-identified and un-cooperative aircraft is also being drafted to address new threats. A new air defence system is being created and this has led to the adoption of new doctrine, the air force will be the leading agency operating it.
2.2. Sustainment
The Air Force conducted routine reserve refresher training, however the availability of new equipment and political distrust in the retired officer corps has hampered this.
2.3. Readiness
The Integrated Aerospace Defence Command reports directly to the armed force’s Strategic Operations Command and as such is the main body in charge of air defence. The Sukhoi Su-30Mk’s and the F-16’s form the first line of defence in the country and these will be soon joined by the K-8’s which will perform anti-narcotic patrols. A missile defence system is in the process of being designed with help from Russia, China and Belarus.
3. Deployments, tasks and operations
3.1. Role and Deployment
The AMV has the mission of securing national defence through the dominance of airspace, contributing to the maintenance of internal order and actively participating in the country’s development, employing national airpower to guarantee territorial integrity and independence and the nation’s sovereignty.
3.2. Recent and Current Operations
The AMV provides transport and logistic support for Venezuela’s international peacekeeping efforts.
The Venezuelan Air Force is involved in various joint operations with Bolivia. In June 2006 a pair of Venezuelan AS-532AC Cougar helicopters from the 10th Special Operations Air Group were deployed to Bolivia. The helicopters were integrated into the Bolivian Air Force but continue to be maintained by Venezuelan air force personnel.
In 2009 Venezuela’s remaining six Mirage 50 fighter-bombers were donated to the Ecuadorian Air Force along with spares and missiles. Venezuelan personnel trained Ecuadorian crews for transition into the new fighters in Venezuela and in Ecuador.
There are two Falcon VIP jets deployed to Havana, Cuba where they are at the disposal of the Fidel and Raul Castro. They operate in civilian markings but are owned by the Venezuelan Air Force.
4. Command and control
Table1.
Minister of the Popular Powers of Defence: / Vice-President Ramón CarrizalesCommander, Strategic Operational Command: / General Carlos Mata Figueroa
Air Force Commander: / General Jorge Oropeza
In March 2009, President Chavez announced a reshuffle of the command and control structure of the military. It was announced that the defence ministry was to undergo immediate changes and will be transformed into a purely administrative XXXrganizedXXXon in charge of overseeing the development of the armed forces and directing the country’s defence policy. Actual control of the armed forces will now be entrusted completely to the Strategic Operational Command (CEO).
There is a Chief of Staff, who is the second-in-command, with operational and other resources assigned to four subordinate commands: Personnel Operations Command; Air Operations Command; Logistics Operations Command; and the recently reformed Integral Aerospace Defence Command (CADAI). The Inspector General is responsible for assisting the General Command with supervision and evaluation of all aviation-related activities.
CADAI has been re-assigned during 2009 and is directly controlled by the Strategic Operational Command (CEO), although on paper it still forms part of the Air Force.
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caption: Higher Levels of Command for Venezuelan Military Aviation
5. Organisation
The AMV is XXXrganized into four fighter groups (11, 12, 13 and 16), one training group (14), two special operations groups (10 and 15), four transport groups (4, 5, 6 and 9) and one group tasked with electronic missions (85).
The Integral Aerospace Defence Command comprises six surveillance (radar) squadrons and three Air Defence Artillery (ADA) squadrons.
5.1. Order of Battle
Table2.
Unit / Base / Type / Role /Air Zone I, Maracaibo
Special Operations Air Group 15 / Maracaibo
Special Operations Squadron 151 / Maracaibo / OV-10 / Counter-Insurgency
Special Operations Squadron 152 / Maracaibo / Tucano / Counter-Insurgency
Air Zone II Z, Barquisimeto
Fighter Air Group 12 / Barquisimeto
Fighter Squadron 36 / Barquisimeto / VF-5A Active / Attack / Reconnaissance
Fighter Squadron 36 / Barquisimeto / VF-5A / Continuation Training
Fighter Squadron 36 / Barquisimeto / NF-5B / Continuation Training
Air Zone III, Palo Negro
Air Transport Group 6 / Palo Negro
Transport Squadron 1 / Palo Negro / Boeing 707 / Tanker / Transport
Transport Squadron 1 / Palo Negro / C-130H / Transport
Transport Squadron 2 / Palo Negro / Shorts 360 / Transport
Special Operations Air Group 10 / Palo Negro
Special Operations Squadron 101 / Palo Negro / Super Puma / Transport
Special Operations Squadron 101 / Palo Negro / Cougar / Transport
Special Operations Squadron 102 / Palo Negro / Super Puma / Transport
Special Operations Squadron 102 / Palo Negro / Cougar / Transport
Search and Rescue Squadron 103 / Palo Negro / Super Puma / Combat Search and Rescue
Search and Rescue Squadron 103 / Palo Negro / Cougar / Combat Search and Rescue
Fighter Air Group 11 / Palo Negro
Fighter Intelligence, Surveillance and Electronic Reconnaissance Group 85 / Palo Negro
Electronic Combat Squadron 851 / Palo Negro / C-26A / Combat Support
Electronic Combat Squadron 851 / Palo Negro / Falcon 20C(EW) / Combat Support
Air Training Group 14 / Maracay
Primary Training Squadron 141 / Maracay / SF-260 / Primary Training
Basic Training Squadron 142 / Maracay / Tucano / Advanced Training
Tactical Training Squadron 143 / Maracay / Tucano / Tactical Training
Fighter Air Group16 / Palo Negro
Fighter Squadron 161 / Palo Negro / F-16A / Multirole Fighter
Fighter Squadron 161 / Palo Negro / F-16B / Continuation Training
Fighter Squadron 162 / Palo Negro / F-16A / Multirole Fighter
Fighter Squadron 162 / Palo Negro / F-16B / Continuation Training
Air Zone IV, Barcelona
Fighter Air Group 13 / Barcelona
Fighter Squadron 131 “Aces”(1) / Barcelona / Su-30 / Multirole Fighter
Fighter Squadron “Pumas” 132(1) / Barcelona / Su-30 / Multirole Fighter
Air Zone V, Caracas
Air Transport Group 4 / Caracas
Transport Squadron 41 / Caracas / Airbus ACJ(2) / VIP Transport
Transport Squadron 41 / Caracas / Boeing 737(2) / VIP Transport
Transport Squadron 42 / Caracas / Cougar / VIP Transport
Transport Squadron 42 / Caracas / Mi-17V-5 / Utility
Transport Squadron 42 / Caracas / Mi-172 / VIP Transport
Air Transport Group 5 / Caracas
Transport Squadron 51 / Caracas / King Air 200 / Communications
Transport Squadron 52 / Caracas / Citation I / Communications
Transport Squadron 52 / Caracas / Citation II / Communications
Transport Squadron 52 / Caracas / Falcon 20F / Communications
Air Transport Group 9(3) / Puerto Ayacucho
Transport Squadron 91 / Puerto Ayacucho / Ce-208 / Transport
Transport Squadron 91 / Puerto Ayacucho / Turbo Stationair / Communications
Transport Squadron 92 / Puerto Ayacucho / Caravan / Transport
Transport Squadron 92 / Puerto Ayacucho / Turbo Stationair / Communications
Transport Squadron 93 / Puerto Ayacucho / Caravan / Transport
Transport Squadron 93 / Puerto Ayacucho / Turbo Stationair / Communications
Notes:
(1) Currently being equipped with Su-30MK2V.
(2) Operated from Simón Bolivar International Airport, Maiquetia.
(3) Air Transport Group 9 also has one Cessna 750 Citation X, but it is not known to which squadron this is assigned.
5.2. Operational Art and Tactical Doctrine
Tactical and operational doctrines are largely those of the US Air Force, but several changes are taking place from the acquisition of Russian combat aircraft and the adoption of a socialist oriented doctrine in the armed forces.
5.3. Bases
Table3.
Luis del Valle García air base / Barcelona / (10° 06’ 25” N; 64° 41’ 20” W)Teniente Vicente Landeta Gill air base / Barquisimeto / (10° 02’ 33” N; 69° 21’ 30” W)
La Carlota air base / Caracas-La Carlota IAP / (10° 29’ 06” N; 66° 50’ 36” W)
General Rafael Urdaneta air base / Maracaibo / (10° 33’ 29” N; 71° 43’ 40” W)
Mariscal Sucre air base / Boca del Río, Maracay / (10° 14’ 59” N; 67° 38’ 57” W)
El Libertador air base / Palo Negro, Maracay / (10° 11’ 00” N; 67° 33’ 26” W)
General Jose Antonio Paez air base / Puerto Ayacucho / (05° 37’ 12’’ N; 67° 36’ 23’’ W)
A number of other airfields are periodically used, but these do not have any permanently-resident flying units.
6. Personnel
6.1. Demographics
The 23,000 professional personnel that make up the air force are composed of 18% of officers, 34% of non-commissioned officers and 48% of troops. It is a gender equal service since 2002.
6.2. Recruitment
Recruitment into the Military Aviation School is limited to around 150 cadets each year, it has not experienced any difficulties in obtaining properly qualified personnel.
6.3. Morale
Morale in the older officer corps has deteriorated considerably, however a new breed of officer corps is being formed, one that has political loyalty to the government and is affiliated to the Socialist Party.
6.4. Professionalism
Funds have been allocated for training levels to be maintained at adequate levels and Venezuela fighter pilots have performed adequately in international exercises.
7. Training
Since 1988, all officer cadets of Venezuela’s armed services and National Guard attend a common course of two years duration at the Basic Training School at Maracay. Aspiring Military Aviation officers must complete an additional four-year course with the Military Aviation School before securing a commission in the rank of subteniente. After this, the young officer may choose to complete a degree course at either a civilian university or the Armed Forces Polytechnical University. There are also several military-run specialist schools, the courses of which must be successfully completed for promotion, as well as a Command and Staff School for the training of general staff and higher grade officer ranks. Venezuela also trains officers from several of the smaller countries in the region by arrangement with their respective governments.
7.1. Training Areas
Listing of training centres and geographic locations traditionally used for training.
7.2. Military Exercises
The Venezuelan military carried out a series of military exercises in June 2008 using new equipment sourced mainly from Russia. These took place near the military base on La Orchila Island, off the Caribbean coast to the north of Caracas. According to the then Defence Minister, Gustavo Rangel Briceño, the exercises simulated an attack by a hostile power, with mock enemy units being targeted. A mock enemy vessel was targeted by missiles (Otomat MK2) and Su-30 fighter aircraft, which launched ‘Kingbolt’ and ‘Kedge’ air-to-surface missiles for the first time, these exercises being the first for 13 years to involve expenditure of live ammunition. As such, they appear intended to showcase Venezuela's recent acquisitions and particularly the air force’s Su-30s.
In September 2008, two Russian Tu-160 Blackjack strategic bombers arrived in Venezuela for a week long exercise with the Venezuelan armed forces. Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez announced that Russia was its strategic ally and that Russian forces were welcome in Venezuela.
In June 2009 the air force deployed 130 personnel as well as Su-30MK, F-16 and VF-5 fighters to perform Operation Pereu-Geminis on Margarita island. The exercise included launching air to air missiles.
On June 26-30, the Su-30MK’s performed TV and laser guided missile launches as part of exercise Urimare 01-09 over the island of Orchila.
8. Air Force procurement
8.1. Requirements
Venezuela has experienced considerable difficulty in acquiring military aircraft from Western sources in recent times. This culminated in the US imposing an arms embargo in late 2006, having previously been successful in preventing sales of aircraft containing US technology, most notably EMB-314 Super Tucano armed trainers from Brazil, L-159 ALCA jet trainers from the Czech Republic and EADS CASA C-295 transport aircraft from Spain.