February
21, 2007: Venezuela is negotiating with Russia to buy nine diesel-electric
submarines from Russia, for about $335 million each. That would nearly double
the $3.4 billion in weapons Venezuela has already bought from Russia. Venezuela
wants the subs in order to defend itself from American attack. U.S. aircraft
carriers would be a crucial part of any American attack force. The U.S. has
denied any intention of attacking, but no matter.
Venezuela
already has two 1970s era German Type 209 subs. The Russians would provide much
more modern Kilo class boats. Iran, China and several other nations, already
use the Kilo. Venezuela has also approached France and Germany, but these
nations are reluctant to pursue such an offer. Mainly because Venezuela is seen
squandering billions on weapons it doesn't need, while domestic needs are
ignored. Thus, it's not the prospect of supplying weapons for use against the
United States navy that discourages the French and German sub builders, but the
fear of being seen as less than politically correct regarding the way Venezuela
is being misgoverned.
