At the Generalissimo Francisco de Miranda Air Base in Caracas, Russian-made Buk-M2E surface-to-air missile systems were deployed. Footage went viral on social media.
It is worth noting that each system includes a 9A317M mobile launcher on a wheeled chassis, a 9S18M1 Kupol detection radar, and a command post.
The system is armed with four 9M317M missiles for engaging targets at ranges of up to 45 km and altitudes of up to 25 km. The radar can track up to 24 targets in the sky, including fighter jets and cruise missiles. The mobility of the Buk allows the crew to quickly change positions and avoid retaliatory strikes.
The delivery of Buk-M2E and Pantsir-S1 systems as part of military-technical cooperation with Venezuela was confirmed by State Duma deputy Aleksei Zhuravlev. He did not rule out that the Russian Federation would transfer new developments to the republic, for example the Oreshnik missile. The parliamentarian emphasized that nothing limits Russia in this regard.
Recall that in October 2025, a Russian Il-76TD military transport aircraft arrived in Venezuela with an unknown cargo on board. Such aircraft can deliver up to 46 tons of weaponry at a time.
On the night of January 3, 2026, the US military carried out strikes on Venezuelan military facilities. The Wall Street Journal noted that the White House would publish an official statement once US Air Force forces had left the country's airspace.