"The Venezuelan government on Friday dismissed U.S. criticism of its plans to buy Russian rifles and helicopters, suggesting that the Bush administration was angry because the country was not buying U.S. weapons (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A17495-2005Feb11.html).

"This is a sovereign action by Venezuela which President Chavez's government is not willing to discuss," Vice President Jose Vicente Rangel said in a statement.

For decades, the country had been a political and military ally of the United States. But since Chavez was elected in 1998, he has irritated Washington by seeking closer trade and military ties with Russia, China and Cuba."

Gee.........maybe Lil' Dumbya is rethinking his Venezuelan-coup, now. :rolleyes:

What shaman said but add this ...

You can buy a Raptor from the United States for $250 million or you can buy a Flanker from Russia for 1/4 of that.

NO BRAINER

Dop

Originally posted by Lungdop Philing
What shaman said but add this ...

You can buy a Raptor from the United States for $250 million or you can buy a Flanker from Russia for 1/4 of that.
Hell.........back, during 'Nam, there were endless stories of U.S. combat-troops who'd pitch their M-16s......for a Russian-weapon; better-suited for whatever combat-situation (http://www.learnhistory.org.uk/vietnam/vctactics.htm) (not-to-mention how much-more readily-available ammo there was.)

"Their weapons were cheap and reliable - the AK47 Kalashnikov assault rifle out-performed the American M16, and the portable rocket launcher took out many US vehicles and aircraft."

*

http://world.guns.ru/assault/ak_54.jpg

The low-budget response (http://world.guns.ru/assault/as01-e.htm) to Imperialsim, world-wide. (Sharpshooters need not apply.)