WASHINGTON, D.C.— The United States has ordered 10 F-35 stealth fighter jets to Puerto Rico amid mounting tensions with Venezuela. The deployment aims to bolster counter-narcotics operations in the southern Caribbean and strengthen military presence in the region. Several U.S. Navy warships and thousands of Marines are already active nearby, intensifying the show of force.
The deployment follows a lethal airstrike on a Venezuelan-linked drug vessel, alerts over procedural legality, and provocative aerial maneuvers from Venezuela. The move reflects Washington’s escalating campaign to curb drug trafficking and pressure the Maduro government.
Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II; Photo- WikipediaUS Deploys F-35 in Puerto Rico
In the aftermath of a U.S. airstrike on September 2 that sank a boat allegedly belonging to the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua—with 11 fatalities reported—the U.S. has significantly increased its military presence near Venezuela. The buildup includes missile destroyers, amphibious ships, Marines, and now stealth fighters.
The newly dispatched F-35s are expected to join anti-drug trafficking missions from an airfield in Puerto Rico, reinforcing existing naval operations.
The United States has strengthened its presence in the Caribbean by deploying several guided-missile destroyers and an amphibious ready group.
According to Flight Global, their strength in the area includes around 2,000 combat troops and a contingent of Boeing AV-8B Harrier II fighters stationed on the assault ship USS Iwo Jima, giving Washington a flexible mix of naval and air power close to South America:
- Puerto Rico lies just 465 nautical miles (860 km) from Caracas, a distance F-35s can fly in under an hour and return without refueling.
- If the deployed aircraft are the F-35B variant, they could launch from the USS Iwo Jima, positioned much closer to Venezuela’s coast.
Photo: By Soly Moses: https://www.pexels.com/photo/f-35-fighters-on-the-tarmac-at-an-air-show-18119106/Venezuela’s regional anxiety
Venezuelan F-16s recently conducted a flyby near a U.S. Navy destroyer—an act deemed “highly provocative” by the Pentagon—which intensified regional tensions.
In response, U.S. officials warned that any Venezuelan aircraft posing a danger would be shot down.
President Maduro responded by mobilizing militia units and condemning the U.S. actions. He slammed the deployments as aggression and defended Venezuela’s sovereignty while signalling readiness for confrontation if provoked.
F-35 Lightning II; Photo- WikipediaPolitical Concerns Mount
Legal experts and U.S. lawmakers have raised concerns over the legality of the strike on the vessel and the broader military escalation.
Questions persist about whether these operations comply with U.S. law or require Congressional approval under the War Powers Resolution.
Critics have also voiced apprehension that treating drug cartels as terrorist organizations could set a troubling precedent, with some warning of a potential perpetual “war on drugs” stretching into military overreach.
F-35 Lightning II; Photo- WikipediaBottom Line
The U.S. deployment of F-35s to Puerto Rico significantly enhances its rapid strike capability in the Caribbean.
As military hardware gathers and diplomatic rhetoric intensifies, the region braces for possible escalation. The coming weeks will likely determine if this posture yields deterrence or prompts further confrontation.
Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.
Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News
Most Expensive Fighter Jet in the World, F-35B Leaves India
The post US Deploys Most Expensive Fighter Jet in the World in Puerto Rico appeared first on Aviation A2Z.
