CARACAS, Venezuela, April 11 (UPI) -- Venezuela's air force has taken delivery of nine trainer/light attack Hongdu KW-8 jet aircraft from China.

The delivery took place at the "El Libertador" airbase in Aragua state with Minister of People's Power for Defense, Vladimir Padrino Lopez in attendance.


The Hongdu KW-8 has a maximum speed of 498 miles per hour, a range of 1,398 miles and a service ceiling of 42,651 feet. Armaments for the plane include a 23mm cannon, plus bombs, missiles and rockets.

The Venezuelan Air Force said the aircraft will reinforce its Fighter Group No. 12, based in Lara state, and the Special Air Operations Group No.15 based in Zulia state.

In addition to training, the aircraft will be used in operations against organized crime and drug trafficking, the air force said.