Venezuela is interested in acquisition of several Russian multi-role Su-35 fighters, said the president of Venezuela, Hugo Chavez, RIA Novosti reports.

"I have already addressed a letter to the government of Russia saying that we are ready to consider the possibility of acquiring Su-35 fighters in the next few years in order to upgrade and strengthen our defense power", - Venezuela’s national radio cited Hugo Chavez.

According to the president, security, defense power and national development are the primal questions for the government of Venezuela in the network of national independence protection.

"The heavily-protected and guaranteed independence will help us build new Venezuela, new homeland and reach the new horizons", - Chavez underlined.

Russia is one of the main Venezuela’s arms suppliers. Following the results of 2011, this country stood first in the rating of importers of Russian ground weapons made by Center for Analysis of World Arms Trade (CAWAT).

In particular, Venezuela acquired Т-72B1 tanks, BMP-3M infantry combat vehicles, BTR-80A armored infantry vehicles, 152-mm 2S19 “Msta-S” self-propelled howitzers, 120-mm 2S23 “Nona-SVK” self-propelled mortars, 120-mm 2S12A “Sani” mortars, 122-mm 9K51 BM-21 “Grad” multiple-launched rocket systems, 23-mm ZU-23/30M1-4 antiaircraft guns and other equipment.

Russia has completed the deliveries of 92 T-72B1 tanks, BTR-80A armored infantry vehicles and BMP-3M infantry combat vehicles along with munition of different calibers and simulators intended for personnel training to Venezuela in mid-April in accordance with the contract signed in 2009.