ARV Mariscal Sucre (F-21) and ARV Almirante Brión (F-22) were upgraded by Ingalls Shipbuilding (Pascagoula, Mississippi) over a four years period (1998–2002). Modifications have included:
* Fitting of Elbit NTCS 2000 combat management system
* Fitting of Elta EL/M-2238 Single Face STAR 3D air/surface radar
* Fitting of Northrop Grumman 21 HS-7 hull sonar
* Fitting of Elisra NS-9003 ESM system
* Fitting of Elisra NS-9005 ECM system
* Replacement of 2 GMT A230-20M diesel engines with 2 MTU 20V 1163.
The other ships in Venezuelan service are expected to undergo an austere version of this upgrade.
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We seem to make a habit of training, arming and refitting our enemies.
I actually sold medical equipment to the Venezuelan Navy for this ship. It was before I was aware of the politics there.
My nephews worked on the refit. They told me these ships were the filthiest, worst maintained they had ever seen.