China Delivers Six K-8W Jets to Venezuela, Another Three on the Way

China-made K-8W jet trainers

The Venezuelan Air Force in late February received six China-made K-8W jet trainers, with the other three expected to arrive soon, the British Jane's Defence Weekly reported on March 14, 2016.

The aircrafts are part of a batch of nine jets that Venezuela has ordered from China in 2013 and are to replace three Venezuela’s jets lost in accidents. According to Venezuelan Ministry of Defense, China will also be responsible for the construction of supporting infrastructures and the equipment maintenance. Total value of the deal amounts US$75.53 million.

The K-8W is a series of indigenous Chinese lightweight jet-powered aircraft, produced by China's Hongdu Aviation Industry Corporation. Operators of the K-8W also include Bolivia, Ghana, Myanmar, Namibia, Sri Lanka, Sudan and Tanzania.