- Dassault Aviation, the aircraft’s manufacturers, describe it as a “good combination” of technology, versatility and comfort | Main photo: EFE
The US State Department confirmed on Monday, September 2, that seized in the Dominican Republic the Dassault Falcon 900 aircraft, an aircraft used by Nicolás Maduro and representatives of his government.
According to information published by the US agency through its account on X (formerly Twitter), the measure was taken due to violations of US export control and sanctions laws, so the plane was transferred to the Southern District of Florida.
For his part, Nicolás Maduro described the seizure of the Dassault Falcon 900 aircraft as “piracy.”
“The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela denounces before the international community that once again, the authorities of the United States of America, in a repeated criminal practice that cannot be described as anything other than piracy, have illegally confiscated an aircraft that has been used by the President of the Republic, justifying themselves with the coercive measures that they unilaterally and illegally impose around the world,” reads a statement published by the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry.
What is the Dassault Falcon 900 like?
The Dassault Falcon 900 aircraft is valued at $13 million, US officials told the news network. CNNIt is a high-end corporate aircraft manufactured by the French company Dassault Aviation, dedicated to the assembly of civil and military aircraft.
The website of Dassault Aviation He points out that this aircraft model stands out for its finishes in the executive jet category.
Its initial model, the Falcon 900, was introduced in 1984 in France, and has since evolved into the Falcon 900EX and Falcon 900LX, which combine performance, autonomy and comfort.
“The Falcon 900 is an evolution of the Falcon 50, which in turn was derived from the Falcon 20, the first model of the Falcon series that made its first flight in 1963. The original Falcon 900 was followed by the Falcon 900B, with greater range, and then by the Falcon 900EX, launched in 1996 as a long-range version,” details the French company.
The Dassault Falcon 900 was upgraded with increased fuel capacity and better engines, allowing it to reach an automatic speed of 8,000 kilometers.
In addition, it has the capacity to transport 14 passengers, a three-seater sofa and an individual seat.
“The aircraft offers outstanding performance, with a short takeoff distance of 5,360 feet (1.63 kilometers) and a landing distance of 2,415 feet (0.73 kilometers). Its cruising speed is 950 km/h, allowing it to operate at a wide variety of airports,” says Dassault Aviation.
The Falcon 900 series currently has at least 500 aircraft worldwide, which, according to the French company, combine technology, performance, versatility and comfort.
Details of the Falcon 900 seizure
In relation to the seizure, US Attorney General Merrick Garland said the aircraft was allegedly purchased illegally through “shell companies” and subsequently smuggled out of the US.
Since May 2023, the Dassault Falcon, registered T7-ESPRT, has flown almost exclusively to and from a military base in Venezuela and has been used for the benefit of Maduro and his representatives, including to transport Maduro on visits to other countries,” the post reads.
The Justice Department stressed that these measures will continue against those who violate sanctions imposed by the U.S. government, as well as export controls to prevent them from using U.S. resources to “undermine” the national security of that country.
For his part, the Undersecretary for Export Control at the US Department of Commerce, Matthew Axelrod, indicated that the seizure of this plane sends a clear message.
“Planes illegally acquired in the United States for the benefit of sanctioned Venezuelan officials cannot simply fly off into the sunset,” he concluded.
Confiscations from the Maduro government
For years, the U.S. government has seized dozens of luxury vehicles, among other assets, headed to Venezuela, but never a vehicle of such relevance and symbolism.
“The seizure of this aircraft is another significant action by Homeland Security Investigations working with our domestic and international partners to target the Maduro regime’s illegal activities,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent Anthony Salisbury.
In April, the US partially reversed sanctions relief on Venezuelan oil and gas, accusing Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro of failing to meet his election promises by disqualifying opposition candidate Maria Corina Machado.
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2024-09-03 19:18:12
