Washington, DC, January 4 - In a swift and precise military operation on January 3, 2026, U.S. Marine Corps F-35 Lightning II stealth fighters played a pivotal role in neutralizing key Venezuelan air force assets, effectively dismantling the nation's aerial combat capabilities. Deployed from forward bases in Puerto Rico, these advanced fifth-generation aircraft executed targeted strikes on major air bases, destroying multiple fighter jets on the ground, including Su-30MK2 and F-16 variants. The F-35B variants, known for their vertical takeoff and landing prowess, leveraged superior sensor fusion and low observability to penetrate defenses undetected, ensuring Venezuelan forces could not scramble aircraft in response. This phase followed initial missile barrages that suppressed long-range air defense systems such as S-300V and Buk-M2 units, clearing the path for subsequent actions.
The strikes focused on critical installations like El Libertador Air Base and GeneralÃsimo Francisco de Miranda Air Base in Caracas, where Venezuelan Air Force operational aircraft were stationed. By prioritizing ground-based destruction, the U.S. Marine Corps F-35s prevented any potential airborne threats, demonstrating the jet's unmatched precision in suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD) missions. Integrated with broader joint forces involving over 150 aircraft, including F-22 Raptors and support drones, these operations showcased the F-35's role in modern warfare, combining stealth, advanced avionics, and networked targeting to achieve rapid dominance over contested airspace.
This neutralization of Venezuelan air force assets marked a decisive escalation in U.S. efforts to address regional security concerns, highlighting the F-35 Lightning II's transformative impact on power projection. The Marine Corps' deployment underscored the aircraft's versatility in expeditionary operations, enabling quick, low-risk strikes from amphibious-ready platforms.
Overall, the engagement reaffirmed the U.S. military's technological superiority, with the F-35 proving instrumental in reshaping the aerial landscape without prolonged engagement. As details emerge, the operation stands as a benchmark for precision airpower in contemporary conflicts involving stealth fighters like the F-35 against conventional forces.
