U.S. Southern Command released footage showing the loading of a F-35B Lightning II Marine Corps fighter in Puerto Rico, amid recent Venezuelan accusations about the presence of U.S. stealth aircraft near its coast.
Earlier this week, Caracas claimed that five F-35B fighters had flown over the area near the Venezuelan coast, asserting that the country “will not be intimidated” by the military movement.
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Experts from the portal Military area analyzed the released images and identified the arsenal loaded on the F-35B. Among the systems were:
- AIM-120C AMRAAM missiles – designed for medium-range air-to-air combat (in the footage, they appear to have their fins removed to facilitate logistical transport).
- GBU-54 LJDAM 500-pound bomb – fitted with laser guidance and GPS/INS, intended for precision strikes against ground targets.
- AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles – modern short-range, infrared-guided weapons, effective in close-range air combat.
The episode takes place amid growing diplomatic and military tension between the United States and Venezuela, a country that has been strengthening strategic ties with Russia, China and Iran.
According to Washington, the presence of F-35Bs in Puerto Rico is linked solely to regional training and to maintaining the operational readiness of U.S. forces in the Caribbean.
Venezuelan sources, however, interpret the movement as an act of intimidation.
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Source and images: U.S. Southern Command @ussouthcom | Área Militar @hojenomundomilitar. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
