Venezuela's Chavez eyes Russian Su-35 fighters

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said on Thursday he is interested in buying Sukhoi Su-35 Flanker-E multirole fighter jets from Russia to enhance his country’s defense capabilities. "I have already sent a statement to the government of Russia that we are ready to consider buying in the next few years Su-35 fighters to modernize and enhance our defense powers," Venezuela’s national radio quoted Chavez as saying. The president said that the issues of security, defense and the development of the country should be the priority for the government of Venezuela within the frames of the national independence provision, Russian news agency (RIA Novosti) reported. "This independence, the well protected and guaranteed one, will give us a possibility to build new Venezuela, new Fatherland and to reach new horizons," he added. The Su-35, powered by two 117S engines with thrust vectoring, combines high maneuverability and the capability to effectively engage several air targets simultaneously using both guided and unguided missiles and weapon systems. The aircraft has been touted as "4++ generation using fifth-generation technology."