An interesting analysis of the Venezuelean deal to procure Russian equipment by the people at Defense Industry Daily.

here have been a series of reports from a number of sources that Venezuela has finalized a deal with Russian arms manufacturers. Those reports have now shifted the total from $1 billion to around $3 billion, and expand its focus beyond SU-30MK2 (Mnogofunktzionniy Komercheskiy 2-seat) long-range multi-role fighters and various Russian helicopters to include other equipment as well. The final deal is reportedly still being negotiated.

Russian deals are extremely non-transparent, and often there are conflicting reports with no official confirmation of announced reports or additional details released. Based on news reports from various sources, however, here's what DID can tell you about the likely shape of the deal and the nature of the equipment in question, aside from the USA's predictably futile requests that Russia not go through with the sale.

Full Story