Buk-M2E surface-to-air missile systems (SAM) of Russian production have been deployed at the Generalissimo Francisco de Miranda airbase in Caracas. The footage went viral on social networks.
It is worth noting that each system includes a mobile launcher 9A317M on a wheeled chassis, a 9S18M1 Kupol detection radar, and a command post.
The system is armed with four 9M317M missiles to engage targets at a range of up to 45 km and an altitude of up to 25 km. The radar can track up to 24 targets in the sky, including fighters and cruise missiles. The mobility of the Buk allows the crew to quickly change positions and avoid a retaliatory strike.
The delivery of Buk-M2E and Pantsir-S1 as part of military-technical cooperation with Venezuela was confirmed by State Duma deputy Alexey Zhuravlev. He did not rule out that the Russian Federation would transfer new developments to the republic, such as Oreshnik missiles. The parliamentarian emphasized that nothing limits Russia in this.
As a reminder, in October 2025, a Russian military transport aircraft Il-76TD arrived in Venezuela with an unknown cargo on board. Such aircraft can bring up to 46 tons of weapons at a time.
On the night of January 3, 2026, the American military launched strikes on military facilities in Venezuela. The Wall Street Journal noted that the White House will issue an official statement when the U.S. Air Force leaves the country's airspace.
