Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said he is interested in buying Sukhoi Su-35 Flanker-E multirole fighter jets from Russia to enhance his country’s defense capabilities, according to RIA Novosti.

“I have already sent a statement to the government of Russia to inform that we are ready to consider buying Su-35 fighters within the next few years to modernize and enhance our defense powers,” Venezuela’s national radio quoted Chavez as saying.

The president said that the issues of security, defense and the development of the country should be the priority for the government of Venezuela to secure national independence.

“This independence, well-protected and guaranteed, will give us a possibility to build new Venezuela, new Fatherland and to reach new horizons,” he added.

The Su-35, powered by two 117S engines with thrust vectoring, combines high maneuverability and the capability to effectively engage several air targets simultaneously using both guided and unguided missiles and weapon systems.

The aircraft has been touted as "4++ generation using fifth-generation technology."