Bolivarian Military Aviation

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The Bolivarian Military Aviation (AMB), is one of the five components of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces, whose objective is to protect the airspace of Venezuela, contribute to the maintenance of internal order, actively participate in the development of the country and guarantee the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the nation.

This air component of the FANB is made up of a series of operational units, facilities and support establishments whose objective is the defense of the nation's aerospace spaces. The operational units of military aviation are represented by commands, groups and air zones, as well as squadrons, squadrons and patrols. It also has a series of buildings or facilities necessary to carry out its functions: air bases, fixed facilities for institutes, educational and training centers, warehouses, workshops, logistics buildings, among other facilities.

The officers, troops, technicians and military surgeons belonging to the Bolivarian Military Aviation, graduate from the different academies, such as the Military Academy of the Bolivarian Aviation, Military Academy of Troop Officers C/J Hugo Rafael Chávez Frías, Bolivarian Military Technical Academy and Military Academy of Medicine) of the Bolivarian Military University of Venezuela. While assimilated officers, sergeants (professional troops) and enlisted troops, from training schools.

History

Background

Pioneros de la Aviación Militar Venezolana along with General Juan Vicente Gómez.

The beginning of the Venezuelan Air Force was marked by the feat of the American pilot Frank Boland, who, with a biplane made of fabric and wood, with a 60 horsepower engine and a weight of 300 kg, carried out a race on the track of the El Paraíso racecourse, Caracas, which on Sunday, September 29, 1912, made the first flight in Venezuela, all before a large crowd of people gathered on the track of the El Paraíso racetrack. The rudimentary biplane flew to the east of the city and approximately at the height of what is now known as the San Bernardino sector, it turned back, flying over the Calvario area and heading back to its starting point to touch down again without any news.

As a result, in 1913 a meeting was established with the aim of collecting funds for the purchase of an airplane for the army. On April 17, 1920, the creation of the Military Aviation School was decreed, and on December 10 of that same year the installation ceremony was presided over by Colonel David López Enríquez and with the participation of advisors from the French firm. Farman Aviation Works. The National Executive of that time, concerned about the improvement and modernization of the National Armed Forces, hired what seemed to be the most important military and air power of the first postwar era; the Republic of France, receiving not only instructor and technical personnel but also aeronautical material. This is how the first aircraft used were the single-engine Caudron G.3 (1920) and later (1922) the Caudron G.4 twin-engine seaplanes as equipment for the Maritime Aviation School-Base of Punta Palmita on Lake Valencia. To this endowment is added an American Curtiss, a 110 HP Italian Macchi, a 220 HP Italian Salmson, and two 130 HP Farman F.40 seaplanes. During this initial stage, Venezuelan aviation receives the contribution and experience of three aeronautical missions, the "French" (from 1921 to 1929) and the "German" #34; (1930 to 1933) who bring the Junkers seaplanes, one of which, the "Bolívar" is used to fulfill the first international air navigation mission in the Maracay-Maracaibo-Santa Marta raid (Colombia), commemorating the Centennial of the death of the Liberator Simón Bolívar (December 17, 1930). The World War I ace Carlos Meyer Baldo was appointed in 1931 as sub-inspector and instructor, and he was also recognized with the military rank of lieutenant obtained in Germany.

Later, comes the Italian Aeronautical Mission (1938-1940) established by Lt. Colonel Ivo de Bittembeschi as a bombing instructor and Major Oscar Molinari, as a hunting instructor, who give a significant boost to these two specialties within the incipient technicalization of the Venezuelan Military Aviation.

Foundation and officialization

With the death of the President of the Republic in 1935, General Juan Vicente Gómez, different changes began to occur in the country which were accompanied by different demonstrations at the national level. This transition space would begin in 1937 with the end of the dictatorial period, having great relevance with the military coup of 1945 which is a product of the population's search for reforms for the country. On the other hand, the field of National Military Aviation would also be the product of reforms when on February 13, 1944, the first US military aeronautical mission arrived in the country with the purpose of carrying out an inspection of personnel, equipment and aeronautical facilities, motivated to that the world air inventory had suffered a notable deterioration due to a lack of spare parts and aeronautical parts as a result of the Second World War. These missions were in charge of revealing the state of the Venezuelan Military Aviation in terms of organization and infrastructure, which is why it would undergo a reorganization in its operations and internal schematization to seek greater solidity in the institution and, above all, keep it at the same level. Vanguard. Its reorganization would be marked by the creation of the Aeronautics Service attached to the General Directorate of Aviation and, in turn, to the War and Navy office.

With the military coup of 1945, a Military Government Junta was established, which on June 22, 1946 would be in charge of issuing Law Decree No. 349 by which the Venezuelan Air Forces were created, giving it the rank and condition similar to that of the Army within the country's Military Armed Forces, considering this date as the stellar date of the Venezuelan Air Force (FAV). In this way, the '"Venezuelan Air Force Day" would begin to be celebrated from that same year, an event held at the Maracay airfield before different government and civil personalities. The Minister of Defense for that government period, Lieutenant Colonel Carlos Delgado Chalbaud, was in charge of proclaiming on October 10, 1947 Ministerial Resolution No. 342 of the National Executive where the recently created Venezuelan Air Forces were reorganized, specifying the primary plan. of schematization for said institution, being reorganized as follows: Air Force Command, Air Staff with four sections, Tactical Units organized in Groups, Squadrons and Squadrons, Directorate of Aeronautics Services with seven attached Services, Air Bases First, Second and Third Classes, Aeronautical Teaching Institutes, and Aviation Infantry Corps.

The year 1947 would be one of the most important in the history of the country's military aviation, since in it the General Command figure was organized for the first time, the first general commander of the Aviation, Major Félix, was appointed Román Moreno, its first headquarters were barracks No. 50 where the General Directorate of Aviation operated, the Technical Services of Meteorology and Communications, Aeronautical Health were created, and the La Carlota Air Base in Caracas was activated. In October 1952, just one year after entering service with the Venezuelan Air Force, it ordered the first six Canberra B.Mk.2, the first of which arrived in the country in 1953. In this way, the Venezuelan Military Aviation It would become an institution with greater organization and, over the years, of great hierarchy in Latin American territory with respect to other countries. Likewise, its better schematization would facilitate the arrival and maintenance of new flight equipment, its development during the following years, the creation of reconnaissance and rescue squadrons, parachuting squadrons, among other aspects.

1950s: birth of aviation

During the 1950s, the now Venezuelan Air Force made modernization possible by acquiring the most up-to-date jet fighter aircraft and so on they passed into its inventory: English aircraft “Vampire” fighter-bombers, “Venom” bombers, and North American F fighter-bombers. -86F “Sabre Jet” and the Canberras bombers. This provision of aerial material allowed Venezuela to be at the head of the rest of the Latin American countries, logically being the pioneer of these technological advances at that time. At this same time, Bell 47G and 47L helicopters were also received; Sikorsky S-51 and S-55 helicopters and Mentor T-34 primary training aircraft. In the 1960s, the North American F-86K interceptors, Alouette III helicopters, and Cessna 182 liaison aircraft were incorporated; English Jet Provost T-52 jet training aircraft.

The push of progress once again calls for modernization, in the period from 1960 to the present, Military Aviation begins its process of deconcentration and decentralization of its operational means. In this way, the Lt. Air Bases are activated. Landaeta Gil in Barquisimeto (1964), Lt. Luis del Valle García in Barcelona (1965), Generalissimo Francisco de Miranda in Caracas (1966), General Rafael Urdaneta in Maracaibo (1971), Major Buenaventura Vivas Guerrero in Santo Domingo Táchira (1972), Captain Manuel Ríos Guárico Military Air Base (1973), Tunnel. Teófilo Luis Méndez in Puerto Ordaz (1979) and General José Antonio Páez in Puerto Ayacucho (1980), which serve as logistical-operational support for the weapons systems that provide aerial surveillance of the territorial and maritime space of the Republic.

The Porteñazo

Main article: The Porteñazo

At dawn on June 2, 1962, an uprising occurred at the Puerto Cabello naval base, Carabobo state. As soon as the national government finds out about the coup attempt, around noon, the destroyers ARV Almirante Clemente, ARV General Morán and ARV Zulia already Outside the roadstead of the naval base, they began the bombardment of the marine infantry facilities of the General Rafael Urdaneta battalion, destroying the barracks. Later, the attack by Air Force bombers was ordered and Army troops surrounded the port city, resulting in frontal combat between the insurgent forces of the General Rafael Urdaneta marine infantry battalion.

Finally, on June 3, the Ministry of Interior Relations announced that since dawn, the Armed Forces loyal to the government had put an end to the rebellion with a death toll of more than 400 and 700 wounded. Three days later, after the leaders of the uprising were captured, the last stronghold of the insurgents, Fortín Solano located in Cresta del Vigía, fell after an intense bombing by the Air Force.

1970s: general modernization

During the seventies, the FAV during the first government of Rafael Caldera (1969-1974) carried out a large-scale modernization process of all existing aerial material, with this, the logistical and operational capacity was further strengthened, Shortly after, the General Aviation Command located its headquarters at the “Generalísimo Francisco de Miranda” Air Base on December 5, 1970, the location it has today. It was then, in the seventies, that the FAV emerged as one of the most important air forces in the hemisphere. Its inventory is loaded with Lockheed C-130H “Hercules” tactical transport aircraft, French Mirage IIIE, 5V and 5DV fighter aircraft; Canadian CF-5A and CF-5B fighter aircraft; Bronco OV-10E counterinsurgency aircraft, Rockwell Buckeye T-2D advanced training aircraft; North American Bell UH-1D and UH-1 helicopters.

1980s: Major acquisitions and border skirmishes

F-16 in Venezuela

In the 1980s, Venezuela began the acquisition of new combat aircraft and the modernization of existing ones. The FAV was looking to acquire a combat aircraft for its combat fleet. Among the chosen candidates were the IAI Kfir from Israel, the Dassault Mirage 2000 from France and the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon from the United States. Despite the familiarization of Venezuelans with Delta wing fighters, the F-16 was chosen to be the FAV's new fighter.

Initially, the degraded F-16/79 variant (degraded J79-powered export variant of the F-4 Phantom) was offered in 1981, which was rejected by Venezuela, in favor of the standard F-16A/B version.. The purchase was made under the threat posed by the MiG-21 and MiG-23 fighter jets from Cuba (Venezuela's political enemy at the time) as a counterweight to these DAAFAR aircraft, added to the possible delivery of MiG aircraft. 21MF to Sandinista Nicaragua that threatened the Panama Canal, the Cuban-Soviet presence in some important Caribbean islands led the Ronald Reagan administration to allow the sale of F-16s with F-100 engines (original power plant of the plane) to Venezuela. Initially, Venezuela seeks to acquire 72 aircraft for its inventory, however, the quantity was reduced to only 24. The versions were divided into 18 single-seater A and 6 two-seater B, for which the Air Combat Group No. 16 'Dragones' was created, which would be in charge of operating the fighter.

Caldas Corvette Incident

Modernization of the Venezuelan Mirage

As a result of the crisis with Colombia, the FAV began an extensive modernization of its Mirage IIIEV and Mirage 5V combat aircraft. For an amount of 300 million dollars, modernization began in order to bring the aircraft on par with the F-16. The modernization consisted mainly of adding new navigation, weapons and aerodynamics systems; The original Snecma ATAR 9C engines were replaced by the more powerful ATAR 9K-50, with the additional advantage that this latest version has lower fuel consumption. A refueling probe was incorporated into each aircraft, giving it unlimited capacity. flight, canard fins were added behind the cockpit, to improve the maneuverability of the aircraft at low altitude.

Even with this, the most important part of the modernization was the incorporation of the CSF Cyrano IVM 3 multimode radar in combination with a new HUD, at the same time the data transmission systems and also electronic countermeasures systems were updated (ECM), the Magic II air-to-air missiles and the AM-39 Exocet being integrated. Likewise, the Mirage 50 has, like the F-16, Hotas (Hand On Throtle And Stick) technology, which allows the pilot to maneuver and choose the weapons necessary for his mission, while still looking through the head-up display or HUD. The first Mirage 50EV aircraft (the V is for Venezuela) were delivered at the end of October 1990. The last batch of Mirage 50EV was assembled by the group's technical personnel, which generated significant foreign currency savings for the Air Force, as well as The staff has made various modifications to the plane, which has improved its performance.

1990s: internal clashes and unfinished projects

Second coup attempt

See also: Second coup attempt by Venezuela of 1992

The Venezuelan Air Force changed since the events of November 27, 1992, a date that constituted a direct extension of February 4, 1992, when a coup d'état was attempted for the second time against President Carlos Andrés Pérez. The cities of Caracas and Maracay were the scenes of the coup attempt, in which the Miraflores Palace and other points were bombed, resulting in dozens of fatalities. During his presidency, Hugo Chávez, through Decree No. 7102, dated December 10, 2009, designated November 27 as Bolivarian Military Aviation Day.

2000s: Name change and novel acquisitions

In the 21st century, the Venezuelan Air Force was assigned the name of Bolivarian Military Aviation, as a result of the integration of the new Bolivarian National Armed Forces, it continues to take on the challenge of improving and modernizing its aviation systems. weapons, as is the case of the recent acquisition of modern Su-30MK2 air superiority fighters, strengthening the fleet of F-16 fighters; the Y-8 for tactical transport increasing the capacity of the C-130H; the Mi-17 helicopters are incorporated into the fleet of existing Super Pumas and Cougars; and the K-8W training aircraft, in addition to the Diamond DA-40 and 42 for the training of military pilots. During this period, by order of President Hugo Chávez, November 27 was decreed as the anniversary date of the new Bolivarian Military Aviation.

With the arrival of President Hugo Chávez to the presidency, there was a greater rapprochement with Russia, in 2001, with the intention of looking for a replacement for the Mirage-50EV, a delegation from the Mikoyan company sent two planes MiG-29M2 fighter jets to be evaluated by the then FAV, however. Despite the good performance of the plane, the contract that was expected to be for at least 24 to 48 aircraft did not prosper, since it sought to modernize the F-16 with Israel, the plane would be offered again to the sale in the years of 2010, 2012 and 2013, without any results, despite this, the Russian company began to offer its new MiG-35 to the now AMB, this aroused the interest of the senior commanders of the air force, but despite this, the possibility of the MiGs being acquired remains very much in doubt, since the acquisition interest was inclined towards the new Russian air superiority fighter Sukhoi Su-35, for which an acquisition request was sent in the beginning of 2012, but because export production of the aircraft had not begun and such purchase was denied, it is still known of the insistence and purchase of the Su-35 by the AMB, being the most cited to replace the F-16 of service in Venezuela.

Since 2006, Military Aviation has acquired several aircraft, the most notable being the Sukhoi Su-30MK2. The first of a batch of 24 units arrive in national territory starting in December 2006, later presented at official events. of the 86th anniversary of the Venezuelan Military Aviation. On the other hand, with the arrival of these new aircraft, the Air Hunting Group No. 13 called "Libertador Simón Bolívar", based at the Barcelona Air Base, Anzoátegui state, was reactivated. Later, six of these examples would replace the last Mirages that were still in service, forming part of the Air Fighter Group No. 11 called "Diablos". Between 2009 and 2010, the national executive purchased a fleet of advanced Hongdu JL-8 trainers in its K-8W variant, which would replace the outdated VF-5 Freedom Fighters slightly, and until To date there has been no official replacement for this system.

2010s: national crisis

During the following years, new aircraft began to be received that filled the retirement of some old aeronautical systems, among some aircraft were the Chinese Y-8 transport aircraft that replaced the Italian G-222 aircraft, for the In 2015, the delivery of the Hongdu L-15 advanced trainer aircraft that would replace the T2-D was also expected, which concludes its mission and the aircraft were not delivered due to the difficult economic situation that the country is going through, by then The mission was in charge of the Minister of Defense Carmen Meléndez Rivas, in addition, of the construction of the helicopter maintenance center and together with several projects carried out by the AMB.

On June 22, 2017, during the nationwide protests that year, the graduate nursing student David Vallenilla was at a protest on the Francisco Fajardo highway, in Caracas, when a military member of the Air Force shot him with a shotgun from inside the La Carlota air base. Vallenilla is injured in the chest and is transferred to the El Ávila clinic, where he is admitted without vital signs at 22 years of age.

In 2018, with the cooperation agreements with Russia and China, several delegations from the respective countries arrived in the country. In December, two Tu-160 strategic bombers were escorted by Venezuelan F-16 fighters to the airport. Maiquetía International Airport, and where two transport planes were also located, An-124-100 and Il-62 arrived in the country, with the mission of carrying out different types of aerial exercises with the AMB, during this time, the exercises were very full of controversy, due to the arrival for the third time in five years, of these Russian bombers to the country. Despite this, the Minister of Defense, Vladimir Padrino López, gave a clarification about the stay of the bombers on Venezuelan soil, after a stay of only 6 days, they returned to Russia on a return flight of more than 12,000 km.

Also with the strengthening of relations with China, a delegation arrived in the Asian country to study the acquisition of new devices, among the aircraft mentioned are the Shaanxi Y-9 transport plane and the JF-17 light fighter, which according to some officials, would be the replacement for the C-130 and F-16 respectively, systems that today present problems in their maintenance due to lack of spare parts, due to the lack of spare parts produced by the arms embargo. imposed by the United States on the country.

Material and aircraft

Main article: Annex: Bolivarian Military Aviation and Aircraft

Bolivarian Military Aviation Aircraft

Sukhoi Su-30

F-16 Fighting Falcon

Hongdu K-8 Karakorum

Lockheed C-130 Hercules

Shaanxi Y-8

S-300VM

9K37 "Buk"

Eurocopter AS 532 Cougar

Mohajer2/CAVIM

(UAV)

Symbols

Hymn

The anthem of the Bolivarian Military Aviation was composed by Professor Gabriel Torres Pulgar, and the music was authored by Professor Carlos Bonnet.

Wikisource contains original works of or about Bolivarian Military Aviation.

Shield

The Coat of Arms of the Bolivarian Military Aviation. It presents a Germanic type outline derived from the coat of arms of the Bolivarian Military Aviation School, the oldest of the institution. Its simple field or single barracks in azur (Blue) with gold border presents the "Winged Crown of the Bolivarian Military Aviation" made up of the field of the Coat of Arms of the Republic with wings surrounding its flanks and holding the National Cockade at the top. Eight silver stars placed in an arc appear above the crown. The crest is a light blue and gold pennant (Yellow) that bears the voice of war "AVIACIÓN MILITAR BOLIVARIANA", the name of the organization and its motto inscribed in Latin &# 34;SPATIUM SUPERANUS PALATINUS' (Sovereign Space Paladin) appears on another pennant with the same colors under the shield.

In heraldic terms, this coat of arms is classified as "Talking Weapons" because it directly expresses in itself what it represents: the Venezuelan Air Force, through the Winged Crown of the Bolivarian Military Aviation. The stars recall those that appear on the national flag. The blue field represents the organization's domain: The sky and outer space of Venezuela. The pennants are an expression of the reaffirmation of the identity and ideals on which the organization is based.

Cockade

The National cockade is the emblem made up of ribbons with the colors of the flag, gathered forming a circumference around a point. It was adopted in the past as a military insignia and is used today, pictorially, in the different military establishments as a badge to indicate the nationality of equipment and systems.

This rescues the three original concentric circles and eliminates the horizontal tricolor ribbon. To place it on the current time scale, a half arc of 8 stars is introduced in the central ring (corresponding to the color blue) which makes it unmistakable from other similar cockades at an international level.

It was designed in two configurations depending on its use. Namely: In low visibility for combat units and in high contrast for administrative units. In the specific cases of aerial means, its symmetrical opposite is the acronym FANB as a clear message of unity as a single Bolivarian National Armed Force.

Pattern

Main article: Our Lady of Loreto

Our Lady of Loreto is the Patroness of the Bolivarian Military Aviation. Tradition says that in the year 1291, when the crusaders evacuated the port of Acre and consequently abandoned the Holy Land, the Holy House of the Virgin was transported by "angelic ministry", that is, by means of the angels, from Nazareth to Illyria, so that three years later it was definitively transferred to the "Mount of Laurels" in the territory of the recanate in Loreto, Italy. Taking into account the "Tradition of the Angelic Transfer", the pilots and technicians, especially Italians, adopted her as Patroness from the very birth of Aviation and such was the force that gained its devotion that Pope Benedict XV proclaims her "Patron of Universal Aviation". In response to the fervor that inspires in the hearts of the Bolivarian Military Aviation and as a result of various efforts carried out opportunely before the Holy See, it is declared "Patron of the Venezuelan Air Force" through official rescript of the Congregation for Divine Worship in Vatican City, December 10, 1985.

Organization

The Venezuelan Air Force is made up of a series of commands that contribute to the work of this component, which are:

1. General Command: It is the superior command organ of the Venezuelan Military Aviation. Its headline is the general commander of the Aviation, who has as a mission: “To direct and supervise all aviation functions in order to fulfil the mission assigned by the laws of the Republic.
2. General Staff: It is the advisory agency of the general aviation commander, for the planning of actions to guarantee the fulfillment of the mission and for the development of the organization. Its head is head of the General Staff and second commander of the Aviation.
3. Inspector General: It is the highest inspection and investigation agency to assist the general aviation commander in monitoring and evaluating all the activities of the Aviation. Its headline is the General Aviation Inspector.
4. Air Operations Command: It is the superior organ of execution of the plans and programs emanated from the Higher Step in the field of Air Operations.
5. Air Staff Command: It is the highest organ of execution of plans and programs, inherent in the administration of the human resource, emanated from the Higher Step.
6. Logistics Air Command: It is the superior organ of execution of the plans and programs, related to the logistic processes of the institution, emanated from the Higher Step.
7. Air Command of Education: It is the highest organ of execution of plans and programs, inherent in the educational processes of the human resource, emanated from the Higher Step.
8. Strategic Planning Directorate: Direct the process of planning, development and control of Bolivarian Military Aviation, in accordance with the guidelines of the general commander, in order to ensure compliance with the plans and projects for the development of the air component.
9. Aerospace Intelligence Directorate: It is the superior body responsible for obtaining and processing information, to develop and disseminate useful intelligence products to support the use of Aerospace power.
10. Air Directorate of Technology: It is the superior body responsible for managing, developing, maintaining and supervising information and communication technologies (ICT).
11. Address of the Special Security Regime: Es the superior body to establish a system of regulations and organizational, educational, physical, technological and control measures established and implemented to ensure the safety, management and protection of official information, as well as the security regime of the military units and administrative units of the Bolivarian Armed Forces.
12. Active Participation in National Development.

Air groups

Shield	Name	Notes
	Presidential Air Group No. 4	The Presidential Air Group No. 4 was created on 10 October 1980, by resolution of the Ministry of Defence, depending on the General Command of the Venezuelan Air Force, initially having its facilities in the command of the base. Later, in June 1981, he moved to his current headquarters.
	Air Transport Group No. 5	The Air Transport Group No. 5 (GAT5) is one of the operating units of the Bolivarian Military Aviation. It has as its mission to carry out air transport and reconnaissance operations, in order to contribute to the fulfilment of the mission of the Venezuelan Military Aviation, as well as in support of public and private institutions when ordered by the upper step, and as a more prominent function, is to schedule and execute missions of aeroambulance, air transport, visual, photographic and electronic recognition.
	Air Transport Group No. 6	Innumerable missions carried out by the Air Transport Group No. 6, since 27 July 1961 the unit was born. His motto is: "Every time, every place".
	Instrumental Flight Training Group No. 7	It is a Group that is responsible for providing the instruction and training of the simulated instrumental flight to pilot personnel, its motto "Assembling for Adversity"
	Air Intelligence Monitoring and Recognition Group No. 8	Air Group No. 8 is always constantly evolving, in order to have qualified personnel and equipment in optimal condition to detect invisible threats always preset the security and defense of the nation.
	Air Transport Group No. 9	Its delivery "Our North is the South", that is why since the creation of the Air Transport Group No. 9, it has been dedicated to meeting the needs of the indigenous peoples who live in an extensive region that represents almost 60% of the land area of the country, specifically in the Amazon, Bolivar, Delta Amacuro and southern Apure states.
	Special Operations Air Group No. 10	Special Operations Air Group No. 10 conducts aerial support and special operations in order to contribute to the implementation of the mission of the aviation component and other components of the National Armed Forces, as well as to support public and private institutions when ordered by the upper step.
	Aerial Group of Hunt No. 11	The Aerial Group of Hunt No. 11 is composed of men and women who operate the spearhead of the Venezuelan Military Aviation. Its task is to maintain and preserve the sovereignty of Venezuelan airspace. His motto is "win or die.".
	Aerial Group of Hunt No. 12	On 27 July 1961, the Venezuelan Air Force began its reorganization with the creation of the Hunting Air Group No. 12. It was composed of the three existing hunting squads for the time.
	Aerial Group of Hunt No. 13	The “Simon Bolivar” Aerial Group No. 13 is responsible for fulfilling the combat missions that assign superiority in conflict situations in support of the mission’s compliance and for providing the system’s qualification courses to the newly assigned pilots to the unit, it also has as its main mission to execute air-to-air offensive and defensive combat operations. It meets flight missions specializing in air-surface operations and performs vitally important maintenance tasks that enable the maintenance of this weapons system in the air.
	Air Training Group No. 14	The Air Training Group No. 14, in its organizational structure, consists of Flight Squads and Maintenance Squads, which perform specific functions in various specialities, as well as advising the command on the logistical and operational requirements of the unit, our main mission is to train military personnel as a military pilot and train the personnel of pilot instructors to carry out air operations in support of the Bolivarian Military Aviation employment plans.
	Special Operations Air Group No. 15	In the early 1970s, studies were conducted to cover the need for an appropriate aircraft for operations, taking into account the experience known to this aircraft, which had been used as an advanced air controller directing the attack aircraft to the target by marking the targets and carrying out direct air support missions.
	Aerial Group of Hunt No. 16	A unit that is constantly participating in the national development plans, continuously supporting the different missions planned by the National Executive. His motto is: "Protectors and Avengers"
	Special Operations Air Group No. 17	The Air Operations Group of Special Operations No. 17, is actively supporting indigenous communities, with the plans established by the General Aviation Command, and it also contributes to the implementation of the strategic plans formulated by the Strategic Region of Comprehensive Defense of Guayana, and also supports the activities of the national and regional executive. The bird icon of this combat unit is the harpy eagle.
	Air Training Group No. 18	This training group was created by resolution of Official Gazette Nro. 40,408 dated 9 May 2014. Its objective is to train future pilots of fixed wings, whether from hunting, transport or unmanned aircraft of the Military Aviation and the rest of the components of the National Armed Forces.
	Air Training Group No. 19	This training group is born from the need to own a unit for the formation of helicopter pilots of the Military Aviation, which is why it is born by a resolution of Gaceta Oficial Nro. 40,408 of 19 May 2014, thus forming the Air Training Center, together with the Air Force Groups No. 7,14 and 18. This strengthens the formation of the future helicopter pilots with this unit, where also pilots of the components Army, Navy and National Guard.
	Special Forces Group No. 20	This group is born with the need for Special Aeroterrestrial Operations, such as: combat search and rescue (CSAR), direct action, designation of ground targets, terminal guide in close air support, among others, in the fulfillment of the missions emanated from the General Command of the Bolivarian Military Aviation and the maximum planning body of the operations of joint, combined and specific operations such as the Operational Strategic Command. This unique Elite Unit was created in 2016 and is now an integral part of the Special Action Forces (FAES).

Aerial zones

Air zone	Name	Jurisdiction	Squadron	Units
I	Headquarters: General Air Base in Chief Rafael Urdaneta (Maracaibo, Zulia state)	Zulia Tachira Merida Trujillo Apure (Páez radio)	Special Operations Air Group No. 15: Special Operations Squad No. 151 Special Operations Squad No. 152 Simulated Training Squad No. 153 Maintenance squad No. 157	Hongdu K-8W Karakorum Beechcraft A-65 Queen Air Beechcraft BE-80 Queen Air
II	Headquarters: Lieutenant Vicente Landaeta Gil Air Base (Barquisimeto, Lara state)	Lara Falcon Yaracuy Portuguesa Barrels Cojedes	Aerial Group of Hunt No. 12: Hunt squad No. 35 Hunt squad No. 36 Maintenance squad No. 127	Hongdu K-8W Karakorum
III	Headquarters: El Libertador Air Base (Palo Negro, Aragua state)	Aragua Carabobobo Guárico Apure	Air Transport Group No. 6: Transport squad No. T-1 Transport squad No. T-2 Maintenance squad No. 67	Lockheed C-130H Hercules Shaanxi Y-8-F200W Short 360-300
			Air Intelligence Monitoring and Recognition Group No. 8: Flight squad No. 81 Signal Intelligence Squad No. 82 No Triple Flight Squad No. 83 Maintenance squad No. 87	Falcon 20C Prometheus Fairchild C-26B Metro EW UAV CAVIM-Arpia
			Special Operations Air Group No. 10: Special Operations Squad No. 101 Special Operations Squad No. 102 Search and Rescue Squad N.o 104 Maintenance squad No. 107	Eurocopter AS 332B Super Puma Eurocopter AS.532AC Cougar
			Aerial Group of Hunt No. 11: Hunt squad No. 33 Hunt squad No. 34 Maintenance squad No. 117	Sukhoi Su-30MK2
			Air Training Group No. 14: Primary Training Squad No. 141 Basic Training Squad No. 142 Tactical Training Squad No. 143 Maintenance squad No. 147	Aermacchi F-260EV Embraer AT-27 Tucano Embraer T-27 Tucano
			Aerial Group of Hunt No. 16: Hunt squad No. 161 Caza Squadron No. 162 Maintenance squad No. 167	Lockheed Martin F-16A Fighting Falcon Lockheed Martin F-16B Fighting Falcon
			Air Training Group No. 18: Primary Squad. No. 181 Basic Box No. 182 Maintenance squad No. 187	Diamond DA-40NG Diamond DA-42VI
			Air Training Group No. 19: Primary Squad No. 191 Basic Box No. 192 Maintenance squad No. 197	Enstrom 480B
IV	Headquarters: Lieutenant Luis del Valle García Air Base (Barcelona, Anzoátegui state)	Anzoátegui Monagas Sucre Bolívar New Sparta Delta Amacuro	Aerial Group of Hunt No. 13: Hunt squad No. 131 Hunt squad No. 132 Hunt squad No. 133 Maintenance squad No. 137	Sukhoi Su-30MK2
IV		Anzoátegui Monagas Sucre Bolívar New Sparta Delta Amacuro	Special Operations Air Group No. 17: Special Operations Squad No. 171 Maintenance squad No. 177	Mi-17V5
V	Headquarters: Francisco de Miranda Air Base (Caracas, Capital District)	Capital District Miranda La Guaira Amazon	Presidential Air Group No. 4: Flight squad No. 41 Flight squad No. 42 Maintenance squad No. 47	Airbus A319CJ Embraer Lineage 1000 Boeing 737-200 Falcon 900EX Eurocopter AS-352UL Cougar Mi-17VIP
			Air Transport Group No. 5: Flight squad No. 51 Flight squad No. 52 Maintenance squad No. 57	Cessna 500 Citation I Cessna 550 Citation II Beechcraft Be-200 Super King Air
			Air Transport Group No. 9: Transport squad No. 91 Transport squad No. 92 Transport squad No. 93 Maintenance squad No. 97	Dornier Do-228NG Cessna 208B Grand Caravan Cessna T206H Stationair

List of attached Air Bases

Between the period of the sixties to the present, Military Aviation begins its process of deconcentration and decentralization of its operational means. In this way, the Lt. Air Bases are activated. Landaeta Gil in Barquisimeto (1964), Lt. Luis del Valle García in Barcelona (1965), Generalissimo Francisco de Miranda in Caracas (1966), General Rafael Urdaneta in Maracaibo (1971), Major Buenaventura Vivas Guerrero in Santo Domingo (1972), Lt. Manuel Ríos in Carrizales (1973), Tcnel. Teófilo Luis Méndez in Ciudad Guayana (1979) and General José Antonio Páez in Puerto Ayacucho (1980), which serve as logistical-operational support for the weapons systems that provide aerial surveillance of the territorial and maritime space of the Republic.

The General Aviation Command located its headquarters at the Generalísimo Francisco de Miranda Air Base, on December 5, 1970, the location it has today.

El Libertador Air Base, Palo Negro, AraguaBAEL).
Advanced Tactical Air Base, Orinoco, AmazonasBATAOR).
General Air Base in Chief José Antonio Páez, Puerto Ayacucho, Amazonas. (BAPAEZ).
Lt. Luis del Valle García, Barcelona, Anzoátegui. (BAVALLE).
Francisco de Miranda, Caracas, Capital District. (BAGFM).
Mariscal Sucre Air Base. Boca de Rio, Maracay, Aragua. (BASUCRE).
Air Base Lieutenant Colonel Teofilo Luis Méndez. Guayana City, Bolivar. (BAMENDEZ).
Aerospace Base Captain Manuel Rios. The Hat, Guárico. (BAEMARI).
Air Base Lieutenant Vicente Landaeta Gil. Barquisimeto, Lara. (BALAND).
Advanced Tactical Air Base Luisa Cáceres de Arismendi. Porlamar, New Sparta (BACACERES).
Advanced Tactical Air Base El Vigía. The Watch, Merida. (BATAVI)
Air Base Mayor Buenaventura Vivas Guerrero, Santo Domingo, Táchira. (BAVIVAS).
General Air Base in Chief Rafael Urdaneta. Maracaibo, Zulia. (BARU).

Logistics Base

Aragua Meteorological Air Base, "Cuna and Birth of Venezuelan Aviation". Maracay, Aragua. (BARAGUA).

Other dependencies

Aeronautical Museum of Maracay, AraguaMUSEAVIA).
Aviation Meteorology Service, AraguaSEMETAVIA).

Training

The command officers, troop officers, technicians and military surgeons belonging to the AMB, graduate from the different academies of the Bolivarian Military University of Venezuela: Military Academy of Bolivarian Aviation, Military Academy of Troop Officers C/J Hugo Rafael Chávez Frías, the Bolivarian Military Technical Academy and the Military Academy of Medicine, while the sergeants graduate from training schools.