Venezuela: Submarines, Air Defense and U.S. Concerns

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is departing June 26 for a state visit to Russia and Belarus. During his trip, Chavez reportedly will discuss purchasing submarines from Russia and an air defense system from Belarus. In Venezuelan hands, the submarines would be a minimal threat to the United States, but a modern Russian-designed air defense system would cause U.S. planners the most concern in the event of U.S. military action against Venezuela.