12 Y-8 Transport to Venezuela

Will be interested to see which model/add-on.

Venezuela to buy Chinese transport planes
An arms embargo imposed by the United States means much of Venezuela's air fleet has fallen into disrepair.
Sunday, 28 November 2010 09:23

http://www.worldbulletin.net/news_detail.php?id=66779

Venezuela plans to buy up to 12 Y-8 transport aircraft from China, a senior military official said on Friday, adding to a list of recent defense purchases from the Asian country.

Major Gen. Jorge Oropeza said the government was negotiating the purchase of between 10 and 12 of the medium range transport planes, which have a 7.5 hour flight range.

"These Y-8 will add to our operations with Hercules C-130s," he said. "Their reach extends through South America and to Spain."

He did not reveal the projected cost of the deal.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has bought billions of dollars of military hardware from Russia and China to upgrade ageing equipment. An arms embargo imposed by the United States means much of Venezuela's air fleet has fallen into disrepair.

China this year delivered 18 K-8 training jets to the South American country and has also sold it a network of radars.