An air display by Russian fighter jets opened a military parade in capital Caracas, marking Venezuelan Independence Day. The nation was demonstrating its recent arms purchases, including thousands of up-graded Russian Kalashnikov assault rifles.

Weapons designer Mikhail Kalashnikov was among the guests.

Venezuela is signing defence deals worth around $U.S.2.7 billion. The south American state and Russia are finalising talks which could see Venezuela manufacturing Kalashnikov arms.