Venezuela’s Buk-M2E Deployment: Not a Major Threat to U.S. Jets
Video analysis confirms Venezuela’s deployment of the Russian-supplied Buk-M2E air defense system near Caracas, bolstering its air defense capabilities and posing a direct threat to U.S. aircraft and missiles. The Buk-M2E, capable of engaging targets up to 45 km away, includes advanced radar systems, like the 9S36 fire-control radar, which can simultaneously engage multiple targets, and the Kupol target radar which can detect a large amount of targets from a great distance. This system is a significant threat to U.S. airpower, including fighters and cruise missiles, complicating U.S. military planning, and forcing the U.S. to take further ISR operations. This deployment signals Venezuela’s intent to restrict U.S. access in the region.
John Q. Hosedrinker