Venezuela Upgrades Old Tanks and Armored Vehicles to Boost Army Strength

Venezuela’s Army has finished fixing and upgrading dozens of old tanks and armored vehicles, according to the country’s Ministry of Defense.

This work helps the Army keep its equipment working well, even though it faces money problems and cannot easily buy new vehicles. The Army first bought 78 Scorpion 90 tanks from a British company in 1989.

These tanks are small, light, and fast, with a main gun and a machine gun. They can protect their crew from small weapons and move quickly over rough ground.

The Army also bought support vehicles at the same time, which have also been repaired. In 1985, Venezuela bought more than 100 Dragoon 300 armored vehicles from the United States.

These vehicles can carry soldiers, serve as command posts, or even carry heavy weapons. They can drive through water and have strong engines, making them useful for many different jobs.

In 2013, the Ministry of Defense started a big project to repair and upgrade these vehicles. It set aside $70.4 million in 2014 to pay for new engines, better brakes, and improved electronics.

The Army’s own repair center did most of the work, which included fixing parts and updating the vehicles’ systems. By 2021, the Army had finished upgrading 78 Scorpion tanks and started returning the Dragoon vehicles to service.

This project is important because Venezuela has trouble buying new military equipment due to international sanctions and a tight budget. By fixing up its old vehicles, the Army can still protect the country and respond to threats.

The upgraded vehicles are now used by units near the border with Colombia, where security is a big concern. For businesses and defense experts, Venezuela’s project shows how a country can make the most of what it already has.

Instead of spending a lot of money on new tanks, Venezuela chose to invest in repairs and upgrades. This decision helps the Army stay ready and saves money at the same time.

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