Peru’s armed forces are being given the tools to step up the combat of drug-trafficking in the Apurímac, Ene and Mantaro valleys (Vraem), an area over which the government of President Ollanta Humala is increasingly determined to exert State control. Peru’s defence minister, Pedro Cateriano, revealed in recent days that the armed forces will acquire six radars to help combat the influx of drug flights into the country, mainly from Bolivia; a satellite from France to monitor the construction of clandestine airstrips in the Vraem and the movements of drug-traffickers, among other things; and 24 Mil Mi-171Sh ‘Hip’ multi-purpose helicopters from Russia, to operate in the inhospitable area. On top of this Peru is buying 20 new KT-1P trainer and light attack aircraft from South Korea, which will also operate in the Vraem.
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