Procurement: Cuba Sells Cold War Surplus to Venezuela

Archives

November 13, 2005: Cuba has a faltering economy, with few little to offer potential trading partners in terms of big buck goods. It also has a surplus of military equipment, left over from the heyday of the Cold War, when the Soviet Union was extremely generous. The world market for military equipment is very lucrative, but Russia also has plenty of surplus equipment, and there's not been much of a market for Cuba's leftovers. Until recently.

Radical president Hugo Chavez of Venezuela has apparently become Cuba's best customer for military equipment. The two countries have already concluded several transactions, for naval and ground equipment, and more deals seem likely. In addition to being able to supply equipment, the Cubans are also able to provide maintenance, repairs, and modifications, and training. While Chavez could probably get the same deal - or even a better deal - from Russia, there are advantages to dealing with the Cubans. For one thing, there's no language barrier. In addition, the deals strengthen Chavez's ties to his good friend Fidel Castro, which promotes his prestige among revolutionary elites in Latin America.

 

X

ad

Help Keep Us From Drying Up

We need your help! Our subscription base has slowly been dwindling.

Each month we count on your contributions. You can support us in the following ways:

  1. Make sure you spread the word about us. Two ways to do that are to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
  2. Subscribe to our daily newsletter. We’ll send the news to your email box, and you don’t have to come to the site unless you want to read columns or see photos.
  3. You can contribute to the health of StrategyPage.
Subscribe   Contribute   Close