CARACAS, Aug. 25 (Xinhuanet) -- The Venezuelan government plans to buy three new submarines from now to 2010 as part of the country's strategy to modernize its armed forces, Navy Commander Armando Laguna said Thursday.

    The Venezuelan navy currently has two submarines which are under repair.

    "We've received offers from Germany, Italy, France and Russia," said Laguna without indicating the price or the date for delivery.     

    Apart from the submarine purchase plan, he said, Venezuela has ordered patrol boats, four corvettes and 10 C-295 transportation planes from Spain.

    Meanwhile, 15 MI-35M combat helicopters bought from Russia will arrive in the country later this year, he said.

    The South American country has already wrapped up a purchase of100,000 AK-103 and AK-104 assault rifles. Enditem