Hugo Chavez (file photo)

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez says 24 Russian Sukhoi fighter jets have been delivered to Venezuela. 

Mr. Chavez made the announcement Sunday on his weekly radio program.

The president said the jets are for defensive purposes only against "imperialist" aggressions. 

Mr. Chavez has warned the recently reactivated U.S. Fourth Fleet to stay out of Venezuelan waters.

U.S. officials deny Washington has designs on Venezuela.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP and AP.