(aerospace) BURLINGTON- F-35A Joint Strike Fighters from the Vermont Air National Guard have deployed to Puerto Rico, expanding U.S. airpower under Operation Southern Spear amid rising tensions with Venezuela.
The move strengthens long-range strike, surveillance, and deterrence capabilities in the Caribbean as Washington sustains military and economic pressure on President Nicolas Maduro’s government.
US Air Force F-35A to the Caribbean
The Vermont Air National Guard’s 158th Fighter Wing has deployed a detachment of F-35A Joint Strike Fighters to the former Roosevelt Roads Navy base in Puerto Rico.
The aircraft arrived earlier this week as part of Operation Southern Spear, a U.S.-led mission focused on regional security, surveillance, and pressure operations tied to Venezuela.
While the Department of Defense has not disclosed the exact number of aircraft involved, defense officials describe the deployment as a rotational detachment rather than a full squadron. The duration of the deployment has not been publicly defined, indicating flexibility based on operational requirements.
In a brief statement, a Vermont National Guard spokesperson confirmed the deployment and said the mission supports U.S. Southern Command objectives while enhancing joint force readiness. No additional operational details were released.
This marks the first time U.S. Air Force tactical fighters have operated in the Caribbean as part of Operation Southern Spear, the TWZ reported.
Why the F-35A Matters in This Mission
The F-35A significantly expands the range and strike options available to U.S. commanders in the region.
Unlike the Marine Corps F-35B aircraft previously deployed to Puerto Rico, the Air Force variant can carry 2,000-pound class precision-guided munitions internally. This allows it to conduct long-range strike missions while maintaining a low radar profile.
The F-35B is limited to 1,000-pound class weapons when carried internally and has reduced range and agility compared to the F-35A. These differences make the Air Force jet better suited for deep strike, high-end deterrence, and contested airspace operations.
Defense analysts note that the presence of F-35As signals a shift from symbolic presence to credible strike readiness, even if no immediate action is planned.
Growing Air and Surveillance Activity Near Venezuela
The F-35A deployment adds to a steadily expanding U.S. air presence supporting Operation Southern Spear. Aircraft already operating in the region include MQ-9 Reaper drones, AC-130 Ghostrider gunships, combat search and rescue platforms, and E/A-18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft.
Open-source flight tracking data from FlightRadar24 has shown a clear increase in U.S. activity near Venezuela’s northern coast. An E-3 Sentry Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft was recently observed conducting surveillance flights close to Venezuelan airspace.
Multiple U.S. Navy F/A-18E Super Hornets and E/A-18G Growlers were also tracked flying repeated patterns near the outer edge of Venezuela’s airspace.
An E-2D Advanced Hawkeye airborne early warning aircraft was similarly observed, indicating sustained command, control, and electronic warfare operations in the area.
Carrier Strike Group Reinforces Regional Posture
Complementing land-based aircraft, the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group is operating in the Caribbean.
The carrier brings four squadrons of F/A-18 Super Hornets, a Growler squadron, E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft, MH-60S and MH-60R Seahawk helicopters, and C-2A Greyhound logistics aircraft.
This carrier presence provides additional strike capacity, maritime security, and airborne command and control, allowing the U.S. to sustain operations across air and sea domains simultaneously.
Political Pressure and Maritime Enforcement
The military buildup coincides with continued economic and maritime enforcement actions against Venezuela. Over the weekend, U.S. personnel boarded another oil tanker off the Venezuelan coast as part of enforcement measures targeting sanctioned vessels.
The action follows an earlier seizure of the tanker M/T Skipper on December 10. That operation was led by the U.S. Coast Guard with military support. These actions stem from directives issued by President Donald Trump authorizing the interception of tankers linked to sanctioned Venezuelan oil exports.
Neither the White House nor U.S. Southern Command has outlined any imminent military action. Venezuelan officials have criticized the deployments and tanker seizures, calling them acts of intimidation, though no direct military response has been reported.
Strategic Implications
Operation Southern Spear began earlier this year as a multi-domain effort combining surveillance, maritime enforcement, and military presence to counter illicit activity and apply pressure on the Maduro government.
The addition of F-35A fighters represents one of the most capable assets deployed under the operation to date.
While the administration’s next steps remain unclear, the expanded presence gives U.S. leadership greater flexibility across deterrence, surveillance, and potential strike options without committing to escalation.
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