By Latin American Herald Tribune Staff

Venezuela has announced that it will purchase only 18 Chinese- made K-8 fighter jets, not 24 as previously announced, according to General Luis Berroterán Acosta, the commander of Venezuela's Bolivarian Air Force.

"The contract has been signed and the jet trainers are on the production line in China. In a short time, I will be able to disclose the exact arrival date of the first K-8 shipment," said Berroterán at a press conference celebrating the 88th anniversary of military aviation.

Each K-8 fighter jet is capable of carrying 4 bombs and rockets, as well as firing a 23mm machine gun.

They carry two pilots in tandem seating and have a maximum speed of just under 500 miles per hour.

The K-8 was developed in the 1980s in a joint project between China and Pakistan. It's maiden flight took place in 1990.

Because of their relative inexpensive cost, they are used by the air forces of China (200), Egypt (80), Ghana (4), Myanmar (12), Namibia (4), Pakistan (100), Sri Lanka (6), Sudan (12), Tanzania (6), Zambia (8), and Zimbabwe (12).