Introduction
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has warned of a significant military threat from the United States, claiming that Venezuela possesses over 8 million milicianos and reservists, representing one-third of the population. However, analysts consider this figure exaggerated.
Venezuela’s Military Composition
The Venezuelan military, named after Simón Bolívar and politicized under Hugo Chávez, consists of active personnel, milicianos, and reservists. While there is no official count for active members, the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) estimates around 123,000. Additionally, there are approximately 220,000 milicianos and 8,000 reservists.
The Milicia, established by Chávez in 2009, is the fifth component of the military forces. Composed of ideologically charged civilians, it has been further expanded under Maduro’s leadership. He has promoted the formation of defense bodies within public companies and communities, emphasizing national unity amidst the perceived “gringo threat.”
Military Procurements During Chávez and Maduro Eras
During the oil boom, Venezuela invested heavily in military equipment. Between 2006 and 2011, the country purchased more than $11 billion worth of military hardware from Russia, including 23 Sukhoi 30MKV fighter jets, eight Mi17 helicopters, radar platforms, and S-300VM and S-125 Pechora anti-aircraft missiles.
More recently, Venezuela acquired eight Mohajer drones with Iranian technology.
However, experts point out that without proper coordination and joint training exercises, these military systems are ineffective. A retired general explained that the Venezuelan armed forces lack collective training to utilize their ground, air, and sea assets, making complex operations challenging.
The Current Military Situation
Venezuela’s military budget has decreased from $6.2 billion in 2013 to an estimated $3.917 billion for 2023, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). The economic crisis has affected the military, despite being one of the most privileged sectors under Maduro’s rule.
Facing an EU and US arms embargo since 2017, Venezuela has turned to Russia and China for military support. Russian Ambassador Sergey Mélik-Bagdasárov recently reaffirmed Moscow’s commitment to helping Venezuela protect its national sovereignty.
Despite this support, the military faces challenges such as high desertion rates and low recruitment quotas. A retired officer who spoke to AFP highlighted the low morale among troops, which is unacceptable for a potential conflict.
Venezuela’s military inventory includes 15 F-16 A fighter jets from the US (purchased in the 1980s), 173 AMX 13 French tanks, 78 British Scorpion-90 light tanks, a German-built SSK Sábalo submarine (acquired in 1973), two Italian frigates (one of which is non-operational), nine coastal patrol boats, three landing ships for 12 tanks and 200 personnel, and 25 armored speedboats.
Although a retired general believes defeating the US is impossible, he also acknowledges that the US lacks the capability to occupy all of Venezuela.
Public Perception
Despite the military’s challenges, there is no visible sense of alarm among the public. Graciela Villalobos, a 33-year-old resident of La Guaira near Caracas, stated that “everything is under control” and “things remain stable.”
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the estimated size of Venezuela’s active military personnel? The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) estimates around 123,000 active personnel.
- What types of military equipment has Venezuela acquired recently? Venezuela has recently purchased eight Mohajer drones with Iranian technology.
- How has the economic crisis affected Venezuela’s military? The military budget has decreased from $6.2 billion in 2013 to an estimated $3.917 billion for 2023, according to SIPRI.
- What is the current state of Venezuela’s military hardware? Venezuela’s military inventory includes various assets such as F-16 A fighter jets, French and British tanks, a submarine, frigates, patrol boats, and speedboats.
- What is the general opinion among Venezuelans regarding the military situation? Despite challenges, there is no visible sense of alarm among the public.
