The President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, announced the incorporation of technological projects in the educational sector of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB), as part of the Great Mission Negro Primero, which includes investments in science, innovation, and development.
The Head of State highlighted Venezuelan military technological power, revealing that the FANB has anti-drone systems and more than 5,000 Igla-S anti-aircraft defense systems, which have been repaired and optimized by national specialists. He emphasized that this equipment, deployed in key positions, guarantees the peace and stability of the nation.
He reaffirmed that Venezuela has a professional Armed Forces, heirs to the liberating army of the Gran Colombia, and issued a forceful warning: «Let no one mess with Venezuela, we don’t mess with anyone.»
For his part, the rector of the Bolivarian Military University of Venezuela and Vice Minister of Education for Defense, M/G Omar Enrique Pérez La Rosa, noted that the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB) are making significant progress in technological sovereignty through the Military Scientific and Technological Council.
This body, created in 2020 on the instructions of the Head of State, has consolidated its own independent military industry and technology. Its main results include the recruitment and training of more than 500 active military researchers dedicated to technological development for national defense.
In its five years of existence, the Council has promoted the research and development of more than 700 specific projects. This systematic work has been essential for designing Venezuelan weapons systems that strengthen the nation’s comprehensive defense, increasing operational readiness, and reducing external dependence.
Among the flagship projects presented is a portable detection and jamming system for unmanned aerial vehicles (drones). Also notable is the application of reverse engineering to assemble batteries for tactical communication equipment and the modernization of 81-millimeter mortars for the Marine Corps.
Another significant development is the design and modernization of the Mosin-Nagant cockpit, used as a selective-fire weapon by the Bolivarian Militia. These projects demonstrate the technical capacity achieved by Venezuelan military researchers in various strategic areas.
Deputy Minister Pérez La Rosa emphasized that this work is coordinated with the National System of Science, Technology, and Innovation, in a «perfect popular military-police fusion.» This initiative honors the legacy of the Grand Marshal of Ayacucho, Antonio José de Sucre, and consolidates the technological autonomy of the FANB.