Like almost every other air force in South America, the Fuerza Aérea Venezolana (Venezuelan Air Force) is trying to maintain operational capability while the budget is very limited due to economical decline. The FAV operates a large number of aircraft types, which presents problems for logistical and maintenance support. However the FAV still presents a powerful fighting force.
The pride of the FAV is the F-16 Halcón, which forms the backbone of the fighter force. Venezuela received its first F-16 in 1983 and is the sole operator of the F-16 in Latin America. The Grupo Aéreo de Caza 16 Dragones operates the F-16A/B fighters from the FAV's main operating base El Libertador AB.
The Mirage 50s from 33 Squadron which belong to Grupo Aéreo de Caza 11 Diablos are operated alongside the F-16s from El LIbertador AB. The Mirage 50DV and 50EV are upgraded Mirage IIIE and V aircraft which were purchased in the 1970s.
LT Vicente Landaeta Gil Airbase is home of the Grupo Aéreo de Caza 12 which is equipped with the VF-5 Grifo and NF-5B lightweight fighters. The VF-5A (single seat) VF-5B (two seat) are ex-Canadian Air Force C-5A/B and were upgraded by ST Aero of Singapore in the early 1990s. The other F-5 double seater in service with the FAV are ex-Royal Netherlands Air Force NF-5Bs. These combat capable twin seaters are used for advanced pilot training.
The transport capability of the FAV is formed by a wide variety of transport aircraft, including the Boeing 737 and 707, Airbus A-319CJ, Beech 200, G.222 and a sole C-47. The workhorse of the FAV transport fleet is the C-130H Hercules.
Based at Rafael Urdaneta AB, Grupo de Operaciones Especiales 15 is responsible for Close Air Support (CAS) and Counter Insurgery (COIN) operations. The wing consists of two squadorn 151 and 152. The latter operates the AT-27 Tucano which is a combat capable advanced trainer also operated by the training wing, Grupo de Entranameinto Aéreo 14, at Mariscal Sucre AB. Escuadrón 151 operates a combination of OV-10A and OV-10E Bronco aircraft. The Bronco is currently undergoing an upgrade program which will enable the type to operate at night. Text: Niels Hillebrand Photographs: Iván Peña Nesbit (thunderchief21@yahoo.com) Info Sources: World Air Power and Scramble

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