| Summary: | Approved for public release; distribution unlimited === Extensive research has been made regarding military expenditures and
arms transfers in and to Latin America. Nevertheless, there was no
available study focusing research on arms transfers from the perspective of
a particular Latin American nation. The author analyzes Venezuela's arms
transfers for 1962-1975 utilizing an "acquisition process" model. This arms
acquisition model includes the initial considerations of having a defense
establishment and needs for arms, the military requirement process, and the
source selection process, the latter including the arms supplier policies as related to Venezuela during the intervening period.
Venezuela, an oil producing nation, increased defense expenditures
by 52% in 1974. New weapon systems were ordered by Venezuela in 1975
reflecting the availability of larger resources. Internal security
missions, external projection, and a replacement pattern were the
major factors influencing the Venezuelan arms requirement. A multi-polar
international system and the U.S. arms transfer policy were
reflected in Venezuela's diversification of arms sources. A resurgence
of regional arms control seems to be a factor influencing future arms
acquisition patterns.
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