According Scramble, the Venezuelan Air Force has suffered a loss of a russian-manufactured Su-30MK2V fighter jet with the serial number 3363. The incident occurred during a training flight, where Venezuelan military personnel were rehearsing for an upcoming air parade scheduled to commemorate the country’s independence on July 5. The crash was a result of a bird striking one of the aircraft’s engines. Fortunately, both pilots successfully ejected from the aircraft and the fighter ultimately crashed in an uninhabited area.
It is known that this is already the third Su-30MK2 aircraft of russian production lost by the Venezuelan Air Force. The previous two accidents occurred in 2015 and 2019.
Read more: Russia Cancels 2023 MAKS Air Show Amidst Turmoil in Aerospace Sector Elucidating the Decision by Security Concerns
The contract for the supply of 24 Su-30MK2 fighter jets to Venezuela was signed in 2006. However, the russians “forgot” to sell the Venezuelans the services of technical maintenance for the aircraft at their factories, which led to expected outcome.
For instance, as of 2020, only 11 aircraft were operational, which is merely half of the total Su-30MK2 fleet available to the Venezuelan Air Force. The issues extended beyond the condition of the onboard equipment and included problems with the metal frames of the fighters. This serves as a clear indication of the absence of regular technical maintenance carried out in the factory conditions.
The actions of russians appear to suggest that they were hoping to persuade their clients in Venezuela to buy new Su-35 jets. Furthermore, Venezuela had expressed its interest in purchasing aircraft from russia for an estimated cost of half a billion dollars in both 2012 and 2015. However, the russians failed to finalize the contract.
Read more: Su-25 Down After Being Hit With Igla Missile in Ukraine (Video)
