Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro calls on the Armed Forces to bolster the country's air and drone defense systems, emphasizing the use of domestic technology and support from allied nations. "With the help of our great friends [Russia, Iran, China and Turkey], we must continue strengthening our own technology, our drone and anti-drone systems," Maduro says at the Independence Day military parade. The Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB), which pledge allegiance to Maduro, maintain close military ties with Russia — a key supplier of Sukhoi fighter jets and Kalashnikov rifles — as well as China, Turkey, and Iran. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES