BLACKEAGLE
SENIOR MEMBER
Inigo Guevara, Washington, DC - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly
16 March 2015
Exercise 'Escudo Bolivariano' ('Bolivarian Shield'), which began on March 14, is to last 10 days and is in response to the United States designating Venezuela a threat to its national security, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro announced on 16 March.
Venezuela's Minister of Defence, General Vladimir Padrino Lopez, announced that the exercise will mobilise 80,000 troops and 20,000 civilians and expand to the seven defence zones. The navy deployed three Lupo-class guided-missile frigates and three Avante-2200-class ocean patrol vessels to form a maritime shield.
So far, 'Escudo Bolivariano' has included a large amphibious assault using the marine's recently delivered NORINCO VN-1 8x8 armoured personnel carriers, launched from Damen Stan Lander-class and Capana-class landing vessels out of Puerto Cabello; a land counter-offensive including tanks, mechanised infantry, and self-propelled artillery in Pao Cojedes; and an air defence drill of a simulated attack on its Paraguana refinery.
Venezuela kicks off major exercise in response to US sanctions - IHS Jane's 360
16 March 2015

Exercise 'Escudo Bolivariano' ('Bolivarian Shield'), which began on March 14, is to last 10 days and is in response to the United States designating Venezuela a threat to its national security, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro announced on 16 March.
Venezuela's Minister of Defence, General Vladimir Padrino Lopez, announced that the exercise will mobilise 80,000 troops and 20,000 civilians and expand to the seven defence zones. The navy deployed three Lupo-class guided-missile frigates and three Avante-2200-class ocean patrol vessels to form a maritime shield.
So far, 'Escudo Bolivariano' has included a large amphibious assault using the marine's recently delivered NORINCO VN-1 8x8 armoured personnel carriers, launched from Damen Stan Lander-class and Capana-class landing vessels out of Puerto Cabello; a land counter-offensive including tanks, mechanised infantry, and self-propelled artillery in Pao Cojedes; and an air defence drill of a simulated attack on its Paraguana refinery.
Venezuela kicks off major exercise in response to US sanctions - IHS Jane's 360