Chavez preparing for conflict with U.S.; Plans to buy 9 subs (Merco Press)

  Venezuela reportedly is negotiating with European and Russian companies to purchase nine submarines.

  Merco Press

  Feb. 26, 2007 -- Venezuela is currently negotiating with European and Russian companies the purchase of nine submarines worth US $3 billion for the event of “an attack from United States,” several South American newspapers report.

   If the project finally goes ahead Venezuela will have 11 submarines, the largest fleet in South America, followed by Peru with six, Brazil five, Colombia and Chile four, Argentina three and Ecuador two.

  Reports from Caracas indicate that the submarines will be diesel-electric powered and the leading candidates for the huge contract are the Spanish-French Scorpone yards, Germany and Russia’s Amur, which are considered the most state of the art non nuclear submersibles.

  Venezuelan General Alberto Muller Rojas from the presidential strategic high command said: “Given U.S. hostility towards the president Hugo Chavez regime” the Navy was ordered to consider possible conflict theatres.

  “Several hypotheses were considered and for the Navy submarines could be an efficient force, although the Army and Air Force favor a missiles defense.”

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