Venezuela's Well Bribed Army

The Venezuelan government is on a weapons buying spree. Over the past year Venezuela has committed itself to buy 100,000 AK-103 and AK-104 automatic rifles, plus licenses to produce about 300,000 more, as well as 44 helicopters, and even MiG-29 fighters from Russia. In addition, Venezuela is buying four coastal patrol boats, some transport aircraft, and possibly even a couple of frigates from Spain, as well as about two dozen light tactical support aircraft from Brazil. The total bill will likely exceed $2 billion.

While there is much trepidation about these purchases, by the openly anti-American Venezuelan government, the extent to which they are likely to add to further instability in Latin America is difficult to assess. Venezuelan president Chavez harbors suspicions about the loyalty of Venezuela’s armed forces. As a result, in addition to reshuffling senior commanders, he has been raising pay and benefits for the troops, to keep them happy, so some of the arms purchases should be seen in the same light; providing new toys for the boys. As addition insurance against a coup, Chavez is creating a “Bolivarian Militia” that will ultimately number some two million, a force which Venezuela is unable to equip.

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