Russian newspaper: Russia to set up nuclear bombers on Caribbean island

- AMERICAN MILITARY NEWS - Dec 27, 2018 -

Laura Widener

The Tupolev Tu-160 (Russian: Туполев Ту-160, NATO reporting name: Blackjack) is a supersonic, variable-geometry heavy bomber designed by the Soviet Union. (Dmitry Terekhov/Flickr)

Russia is working on establishing a military base on a Venezuelan island in the Caribbean, according to Russian news reports.

Russia deployed Tu-160 supersonic nuclear-capable bombers to La Orchila, a Venezuelan island with a military base and airfield, according to Russian newspaper Nezavisimaya Gazeta. Russia has been eyeing the island for its military presence for a decade.

Venezuelan law reportedly prohibits foreign countries from establishing a military base on Venezuelan soil. However, Russia’s deployment of bombers to an already-established base is permitted on a “temporary” basis.

“It is the right idea to include Venezuela in long-range aviation missions,” Russian military expert Col. Shamil Gareyev told Nezavisimaya Gazeta.

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https://americanmilitarynews.com/2018/12/russian-newspaper-russia-to-set-up-nuclear-bombers-on-caribbean-island/