MOSCOW (AP) — Russia will sell three submarines to Venezuela in a deal to be inked when President Hugo Chavez visits next month, a Russian news agency reported Friday.
Interfax cited an unnamed military-industrial official as saying that the subs would be diesel-electric models, of the "Varshavyanka" class, known under NATO terms as a Kilo-class
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During a visit to Russia last year, Chavez said that his country needs submarines to protect itself against its enemies — foremost among them the United States.
At that time, a top Rosoboronexport official said discussions centered on as many as five "Project 636" Kilo-class Varshavyanka submarines.
Caracas already has purchased some $3 billion in arms from Russia, including military helicopters, Kalashnikov rifles, Sukhoi fighter jets and other weaponry.
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