-=First Su-30 MK2 planes en route to Venezuela=-

MOSCOW. Nov 30 (Interfax-AVN) - An aircraft-manufacturing firm in Komsomolsk-on-Amur that is part of the Sukhoi Holding has sent the first two Sukhoi Su-30 MK2 airplanes ordered by Venezuela.

"These two Su-30 MK2 airplanes are being airlifted in a Ruslan heavy transport plane. They are intended for the Venezuelan Air Force," a source in the Russian defense sector told Interfax-AVN.

The planes are expected to take part in a military parade in Venezuela on December 10.

A $1.5 -billion contract for the sale of 24 Su-30 MK2 airplanes was signed with Venezuela in summer.

-=Russia starts supplies of Su-30 fighters to Venezuela=-

MOSCOW, November 30 (RIA Novosti) - Russia has shipped the first two Su-30MK2 multi-role fighters to Venezuela under a contract signed in July 2006, an aircraft manufacturing industry official said Thursday.

Russia signed $1-billion contracts on supplies of 24 Su-30MK2 Flanker fighters and 30 helicopters to Venezuela prior to this year's visit to Russia by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, triggering criticism from Washington, which regards the Venezuelan regime as a potential security threat in the region.

"The first Su-30MK2 fighters for the Venezuelan air force have been transported to Moscow by an An-124 Condor transport plane, and later they will be shipped to Venezuela," the official said, adding that two more fighters will be delivered to the Latin American country by the end of 2006.

Russian-made fighters will substitute American F-16 and French Mirage fighters currently deployed by the Venezuelan air force.

The Su-30MK2 is an export version of a formidable Su-27 Flanker air-superiority fighter capable of accomplishing a wide variety of combat missions at significant distances from the home base, in any weather conditions and severe jamming environment, both by day and night.

Venezuela will be the South American countrie with the more deadliest fighter. And a serious signal to US.

Now the interesting is: what South American countrie  will follow Venezuela moves?  My thoughts goes to Brazil. My opinion is Brazil is interested on the SU-35 fighter, but because of political pressures, the F-X program was delayed. Now, since Lula have a new mandate, have a much more strong card to follow his intentions to protect their skies.

The implications of a countrie like Brazil and the only BRIC country that haven't sukhois protecting their countrie, acquiring such a formidable weapon are huge.

If Brazil opts for sukhois, we could be watching the militarization of MERCOSUR, meaning more countries leaving US zone of influence.

We must not forget that Brazil, is a nuclear power, and a nation reaching space, meaning any kind of possibilities concerning missile technology.

US is having a very bad dream with South American countries, they are receiving chinese investments and russian weapons. a deadly combination for US interests, specially on the energy field.

Comments by FromPortugal