There have been a series of reports from a number of sources that Venezuela has finalized a deal with Russian arms manufacturers for around $1 billion, which reportedly includes SU-30MK2 (Mnogafunctunali Kommercial 2-seat) long-range multi-role fighters and various Russian helicopters in an extension of an earlier 2005 helicopter deal.
Russian deals are extremely non-transparent, and often there are conflicting reports with no official confirmation of announced reports or additional details released. Based on news reports from various sources, however, here's what DID can tell you about the likely shape of the deal, aside from the USA's predictably futile requests that Russia not go through with the sale.
http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/2006/07/venezuela-reportedly-finalizes-1b-deal-for-helicopters-su30s/index.php
Russian deals are extremely non-transparent, and often there are conflicting reports with no official confirmation of announced reports or additional details released. Based on news reports from various sources, however, here's what DID can tell you about the likely shape of the deal, aside from the USA's predictably futile requests that Russia not go through with the sale.
http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/2006/07/venezuela-reportedly-finalizes-1b-deal-for-helicopters-su30s/index.php