Venezuela Next Generation Russian Fighter - The Sukhoi Su-30MK2

Under the Command of Roger Cordero Lara, the Commander of the Venezuelan Air Force (FAV) the new Sukhoi Su-30MK2's are in active FAV service. The Su-30MK2 is an upgraded version of the Su-27 NATO code name "Flanker" the "MK" desigation indicates "export versions" from KnAAPO who is the manufacture.
In a telephone interview on May 11th 2007 with Cnel "Colonel" (AV.) Luis Mendez a qualified FAV Su-30MK2 pilot indicated that the Su-30MK2 has set a historical milestone in the operation history of the FAV. Colonel Mendez also indicated that "as these new planes rise into the air so does the morale of the people". Venezuela has ordered a total of 24 aircrafts with deliveries having started back in 2006 and running through 2008. During the May 11th ceremonies, the FAV certified another 20 Su-30MK2 pilots and 86 ground support personnel.