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Chinese systems get 'combat experience' in Venezuela
From the weapons wonks at Jane's:
Venezuelan army and national guard personnel, along with a Norinco VN-4 armoured vehicle, clear a barricade during an anti-government protest in Valencia, Venezuela, on 26 February. Source: PA
The VN-4 is air conditioned, too--how nice for the gun toters to be able to ride in comfort!
At least two Chinese-made weapon systems have recently gained 'combat' experience, albeit in assisting the Venezuelan government to put down spreading protests that have destabilised the government of President Nicolas Maduro.
On 21 February, Venezuelans posted photographs on Twitter showing what activists described as Cuban special forces disembarking from Venezuela's new Shaanxi Y-8C transport aircraft, although on 23 February Venezuelan Interior Minister Rodriguez Torres denied the use of Cuban troops.
Nevertheless, these photos could indicate that the Y-8 has been used to provide military logistic support for the Venezuelan government. In 2011, Venezuela purchased eight Y-8Cs, which can each transport up to 18-20 tons of cargo.
Less deniable has been the use of the Norinco VN-4 armoured vehicle by the Bolivarian National Guard against the protesters. The VN-4 is a 4x4 9-ton armoured vehicle that can carry up to eight personnel and is armed with a light machine gun. Venezuela purchased 141 VN-4s in 2012, and some have been seen with video surveillance systems.....
On 21 February, Venezuelans posted photographs on Twitter showing what activists described as Cuban special forces disembarking from Venezuela's new Shaanxi Y-8C transport aircraft, although on 23 February Venezuelan Interior Minister Rodriguez Torres denied the use of Cuban troops.
Nevertheless, these photos could indicate that the Y-8 has been used to provide military logistic support for the Venezuelan government. In 2011, Venezuela purchased eight Y-8Cs, which can each transport up to 18-20 tons of cargo.
Less deniable has been the use of the Norinco VN-4 armoured vehicle by the Bolivarian National Guard against the protesters. The VN-4 is a 4x4 9-ton armoured vehicle that can carry up to eight personnel and is armed with a light machine gun. Venezuela purchased 141 VN-4s in 2012, and some have been seen with video surveillance systems.....
