The United States is escalating military pressure on Venezuela. Former President Trump has openly threatened military action, prompting Venezuela to enter nationwide combat readiness. The U.S. is reportedly deploying 10 F-35 stealth fighters to Puerto Rico, ready for strikes, while speculation arises over Venezuela potentially importing Chinese J-35 fighters to bolster defenses.
Venezuela on High Alert
Shortly after the large-scale military parade, tensions in the Americas flared. The U.S. accused Venezuela of collaborating with drug traffickers, claiming the country was smuggling narcotics into the U.S.
In reality, the U.S. has long attempted to orchestrate a color revolution in Venezuela, aiming to topple the independent Maduro government and install a pro-American opposition regime.
Venezuelan media reported that the Trump administration acted swiftly, striking a suspected drug-smuggling boat linked to Venezuela, resulting in 11 fatalities. The U.S. then dispatched amphibious assault groups, Aegis destroyers, attack submarines, and prepared 10 F-35 stealth fighters in Puerto Rico, claiming readiness to bomb drug trafficking groups—essentially threatening Venezuela’s government with military intervention.
In response, the Venezuelan Air Force flew two F-16s armed with live ammunition at low altitude over the USS Jason Dunham Aegis destroyer, signaling a defensive deterrence. The U.S. called this a provocative show of force, while Venezuela emphasized it was a defensive warning within its own territory.
President Maduro vowed never to yield to U.S. military threats, announcing nationwide combat drills and community militia organization to strengthen civilian defense readiness.
Venezuela’s Military Capabilities
From an equipment perspective, Venezuela still maintains some leverage. It ranks among South America’s top five military powers. The air force primarily consists of U.S.-made F-16s and Russian Su-30MK2s. However, only about 20 F-16s remain operational due to long-term sanctions and aging (A/B Block 15), leaving the 24 Russian Su-30MK2s as the main combat-capable fighters.
On the ground, Venezuela’s air defense is formidable regionally, featuring three Russian S-300VM long-range air defense battalions (150 × 9M83M missiles, 40 × 9M82M missiles) and three Buk medium-range missile battalions (300 missiles), capable of covering key strategic zones.
The challenge, however, is facing the overwhelmingly superior U.S. military. Venezuelan media openly acknowledged that its air force and air defenses cannot effectively detect F-35 stealth fighters. In a real conflict, F-35s could penetrate Venezuelan airspace, strike air units, and neutralize air defenses without being detected—a major strategic vulnerability.
The J-35 Option: Aspirational but Unrealistic
Some observers suggest Venezuela could import Chinese J-35 stealth fighters and anti-stealth radar systems to counter U.S. stealth aircraft. The J-35, an export variant of the FC-31 designed for carrier and land-based operations, has superior air combat capabilities compared to the F-35. Coupled with China’s leading export anti-stealth systems, it could potentially neutralize F-35 threats.
However, experts argue this is not feasible. Venezuela’s economy has collapsed since the 2014 oil price crash and years of U.S. sanctions. Military spending has dropped from its peak to just $3.9 billion today, insufficient to purchase or maintain J-35 fighters. Even one squadron would exceed the country’s foreign reserves, and operational support for such advanced aircraft is beyond current personnel capabilities.
Practical Alternatives: Anti-Stealth Radar + Air Defense
While acquiring J-35s is unrealistic, Venezuela can feasibly procure cost-effective Chinese anti-stealth radar and medium-to-long-range air defense systems:
- JY-27A Meter-Wave Radar: Detection range 200–400 km, capable of identifying stealth targets like the F-35.
- JY-26 UHF Radar: Detection range 500 km, strong anti-jamming capabilities. Two to three sets could cover Venezuela’s entire territory.
- FK-3 Medium-Range Export SAM and FD-2000B Long-Range SAM: Proven export success in countries like Serbia and Pakistan, highly rated for operational reliability.
This combination provides realistic anti-stealth capability, enabling early detection of F-35 incursions and coordinated missile strikes via multi-frequency radar and integrated command systems.
Conclusion
For Venezuela, strengthening defense with anti-stealth radar and modern SAMs is the most pragmatic approach. Long-term security, however, depends on improvements in the international environment and domestic economic recovery. Given the vast disparity between Venezuelan and U.S. military power, resourceful and strategic solutions are essential for the country’s survival.
