UFO in the sky above Paramillo del Quindio, Colombia

UFO in the sky above Paramillo del Quindio, Colombia, captured on 07/28/2025.

Venezuela's air defense system crisis: 60% of detection systems are out of order

 

According to a report by the Miami Strategic Intelligence Institute (MSI2), Venezuela's air defense system is in critical condition. Most of its components are not functioning properly, which poses a serious threat to national and regional security.

Main issues

1. Breakdown of surveillance systems

More than 60% of radars and sensors are completely or partially disabled. Reasons:

- Shortage of spare parts due to international sanctions  

- Physical wear and tear of equipment  

- Lack of qualified maintenance  

2. The crisis in combat aviation

The fighter fleet, including the Su-30MK2, is capable of performing tasks only at the level of 15-20% of the design capacity. Problems:

- Lack of aviation fuel  

- Lack of regular maintenance  

- The departure of experienced specialists from the Air Force  

Immediate threats

- Uncontrolled airspace  

  More than 200 illegal drug-related flights cross the country's territory every month without interference.

- Vulnerability of strategic facilities  

  The Amuay oil refinery and the GNL Caribe gas terminal remain without air cover.

- Risk of military incidents  

  There may be provocations from Colombia or Brazil under the pretext of protecting the air borders.

Geopolitical implications

- Increased drug trafficking in the United States through the so-called "air bridges"  

- The growing influence of illegal groups such as ELN and Clan del Golfo  

-The likelihood of foreign interference in the region under the guise of combating drug trafficking  

MSI2 recommendations

To restore Venezuela's air defense system, experts from the Miami Strategic Intelligence Institute (MSI2) propose implementing a set of urgent and strategic measures.:

Urgent measures:

- The conclusion of contracts with Iran for the supply of spare parts will partially make up for the shortage of equipment caused by international sanctions.

- Modernization of Buk-M2 anti—aircraft missile systems with the participation of Belarus will increase the effectiveness of medium-range air defense systems.

- The creation of mobile radar posts will help compensate for the lack of stationary surveillance systems and strengthen control over key areas of airspace.

 Strategic steps:

- Negotiations with China on the repair and modernization of the fighter fleet, including the Su-30MK2 models, will ensure the long—term restoration of aviation combat capability.

- The resumption of cooperation with Russia on the S-300 system will bring one of the most powerful air defense systems back into operation, which will significantly strengthen the air defense of the country's strategic facilities.

Forecast

Unless immediate and large-scale measures are taken to restore air defense, Venezuela will lose control of its airspace by the end of 2025. This will create conditions for the growth of cross-border crime and may provoke a regional crisis.

Colombia and Sweden have signed a letter of intent to purchase Saab Gripen fighter jets

Saab JAS 39 Gripen

Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced the signing of a letter of intent between the Republic of Colombia and the Kingdom of Sweden regarding the purchase of Saab Gripen fighter jets. This decision is an important step in the modernization of the Colombian Air Force, which currently uses aging Israeli Kfir fighter jets.

The acquired fleet of aircraft will be brand new and equipped with the latest technologies already used in Brazil. It will be the Saab 39 Gripen brand, known for its high maneuverability, low operating costs and the ability to perform various tasks, including air superiority, strikes against ground targets and reconnaissance.

Colombia considered several options to replace its aging fighter jets, including the Lockheed Martin F-16 and Dassault Rafale, but eventually chose the Saab Gripen. This choice is determined not only by the combat characteristics of the aircraft, but also by the possibility of technological cooperation. The deal includes investments in social projects in Colombia, such as the construction of a solar panel factory and the improvement of medical infrastructure.

Negotiations between Colombia and Saab will continue in the near future, and it is expected that the final agreement will be signed at the international aviation exhibition F-AIR Colombia 2025. This contract will be another proof of the successful penetration of the Swedish company into the South American market.