Russian AK-103 rifle.Russia prepared to build Kalashnikov arms factory in Venezuela
December 2, 8:31 AM Sylvia Longmire In line with agreements between the governments of Venezuela and Russia, the latter is preparing to begin the construction of arms plants in Venezuela's Aragua state to produce AK-103 automatic rifles and cartridges. According to Forbes.com, Russia is also finalizing contracts to send 53 military helicopters to the Andean nation, Moscow's envoy to Venezuela said Monday.
Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez purchased 100,000 AK-103 rifles in 2006, and also obtained the license to manufacture them in Venezuela at that time. The main concern among observers stems from the fact that the Venezuelan National Guard only has around 60,000 soldiers. Even if every soldier was issued a new AK-103, the big question is, where will the other 40,000 AK-103s go, as well as the rifles soldiers were previously using?
Ample evidence has demonstrated in recent years that rifles from Venezuelan military stocks have ended up in the hands of Colombian terrorists, like the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia. Some are concerned this may happen with the "excess" AK-103s.
Chávez has also expressed interest in arming a militia of one million men and women to defend Venezuela against outside threats—specifically from invasion by the U.S. This is also a possible destination for any weapons not going directly to the regular military.
Many leaders of neighboring countries have expressed concern that Venezuela and other Latin American countries are entering into a regional arms race—a charge that Chávez denies. He claims the extensive weapons purchases from Russia and elsewhere are strictly for domestic defense and the upgrading of existing systems. |
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Man would indeed be in a poor way if he had to be restrained by fear of punishment and hope of reward after death." --
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