"Controlling the Maritime Swarm: are we there yet?"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Future Warfare Magazine

 FW Mag 2/26

P 58 - 63 

Published: https://www.fw-mag.com/magazine 

 

 

Zona Militar: "EagleNXT will deliver drones to the US Army. Will Latin America be next?" / "EagleNXT entregará nuevos drones eBee Vision al Ejército de EE.UU.: ¿América Latina será el próximo paso?"

 

 

 "EagleNXT will deliver drones to the US Army. Will Latin America be next?"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Zona Militar

27 March, 2026 

 Published: https://www.zona-militar.com/en/2026/03/27/eaglenxt-will-deliver-drones-to-the-us-army-will-latin-america-be-next/

The US defense company EagleNXT has announced a contract with the US Army to deliver its eBee Vision drone, designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations as well as training missions. Specifically, the company will supply two drones for “advanced training and operator readiness programs.” Zona Militar had an exclusive conversation with Bill Irby, CEO of EagleNXT, about the company’s current and future plans.

 

"EagleNXT entregará nuevos drones eBee Vision al Ejército de EE.UU.: ¿América Latina será el próximo paso?"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Zona Militar

27 de Marzo del 2026 

Publicado:  https://www.zona-militar.com/2026/03/27/eaglenxt-entregara-nuevos-drones-ebee-vision-al-ejercito-de-ee-uu-america-latina-sera-el-proximo-paso/

La empresa de defensa estadounidense EagleNXT ha anunciado un contrato con el Ejército de los Estados Unidos para entregar su drone eBee Vision, diseñado para operaciones de inteligencia, vigilancia y reconocimiento (ISR), así como para misiones de entrenamiento. Específicamente, la compañía suministrará dos drones para “programas avanzados de entrenamiento y preparación de operadores”. Zona Militar mantuvo una conversación exclusiva con Bill Irby, CEO de EagleNXT, sobre los planes actuales y futuros de la empresa. 

CAP: "Kazakhstan’s Regional Ecological Summit: A Turning Point for Environmental Protection?"

 

 

"Kazakhstan’s Regional Ecological Summit: A Turning Point for Environmental Protection?"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

CAP Policy Brief 

Central Asia Program - George Washington University

19 March, 2026

Published: https://centralasiaprogram.org/publications-all/research-updates/kazakhstans-regional-ecological-summit-a-turning-point-for-environmental-protection/ 

 

Central Asia faces a range of environmental challenges, including extreme temperature fluctuations, water insecurity, environmental degradation, deforestation, air pollution, and melting glaciers. The legacy of the Soviet Union’s nuclear tests also continues to affect the region. Climate change is exacerbating many of these challenges even as governments pursue a green energy transition. The loss of the Aral Sea, which nowadays resembles a series of interconnected lakes, is a grim reminder of the consequences of inaction or insufficient environmental protection; today, the Aral is estimated to be just 10% of its 1950s size.

Addressing these issues is critical not only for environmental protection but also for sustaining Central Asia’s growing population and expanding international connectivity. However, the region’s environmental challenges are highly complex, as they often intersect with regional geopolitics; moreover, some regional governments do not appear to prioritize environmental protection. To address these issues in a multilateral setting, Kazakhstan will host the high-level Regional Ecological Summit (RES-26) from April 22-24. The summit must be more than another forum for discussion and diplomatic photo opportunities. Astana must take a leadership role by convincing its neighbors across the Greater Central Asia region and international partners to focus more on environmental protection, particularly water security, for the sake of not just Kazakhstan but the entire region.

 

Quoted in: "Beyond a ‘buffer zone’: how the Iran war is recalibrating Central Asian ties"

 

 

"Beyond a ‘buffer zone’: how the Iran war is recalibrating Central Asian ties"

By: Cao Jiaxuan

South China Morning Post 

15 March, 2026 

Published: https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3346611/beyond-buffer-zone-how-iran-war-recalibrating-central-asian-ties

The former Soviet republics are leveraging diplomatic fallout from conflict to assert autonomy and balance major powers, observers say

 

Modern Diplomacy: "New beginnings: Moldova withdraws from the CIS"

 

 "New beginnings: Moldova withdraws from the CIS"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Modern Diplomacy

14 March, 2026

Published: https://moderndiplomacy.eu/2026/03/14/new-beginnings-moldova-withdraws-from-the-cis/

The Republic of Moldova announced in early March that the process to withdraw from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) is moving forward. The decision to leave this bloc highlights Moldova’s foreign policy strategy of reducing ties with Russia while increasing engagement with European organizations.

Kapital.kz "Инвестиции, транзит и промышленная переработка"

 

"Инвестиции, транзит и промышленная переработка"

" Investments, transit and industrial processing"

Interview with Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Kapital.kz

6 March, 2026

Published: https://kapital.kz/economic/145709/investicii-tranzit-i-promyshlennaya-pererabotka.html 

 

Внешнеэкономическая повестка Казахстана все меньше сводится к отдельным переговорам и все больше напоминает управляемую систему, где дипломатия связана с инвестиционными институтами, отраслевыми проектами и инфраструктурой. В этой логике одновременно решаются несколько задач: укрепление предсказуемости правил для бизнеса, развитие транзита по Срединному коридору, запуск перерабатывающих производств в АПК, продвижение технологичных проектов в социальной сфере и усиление авиационной связности. Итог здесь измеряется не громкостью заявлений, а тем, насколько устойчиво страна переводит договоренности в работающие механизмы и реальные мощности. О том, что в этой модели выглядит сильным, а где сохраняются риски исполнения, мы поговорили с Уайлдером Алехандро Санчесом, президентом консалтинговой компании Second Floor Strategies в Вашингтоне, который работает на стыке геополитики, торговли и инвестиционной повестки по Центральной Азии.

Источник: https://kapital.kz/economic/145709/investicii-tranzit-i-promyshlennaya-pererabotka.html 

Zona Militar: "The future of the US military’s dismounted troops" / "El futuro de las tropas desmontadas de las Fuerzas Armadas de Estados Unidos"

 

 

"The future of the US military’s dismounted troops"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Zona Militar

10 March, 2026

Published: https://www.zona-militar.com/en/2026/03/10/the-future-of-the-us-militarys-dismounted-troops/

 

 

 "El futuro de las tropas desmontadas de las Fuerzas Armadas de Estados Unidos"

 Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Zona Militar

10 de Marzo, 2026

Publicado: https://www.zona-militar.com/2026/03/10/el-futuro-de-las-tropas-desmontadas-de-las-fuerzas-armadas-de-estados-unidos/ 

Zona Militar: "FIDAE 2026: L3Harris wants to discuss Viper Shield EW with F-16 operators" / "FIDAE 2026: L3Harris presentará el sistema de guerra electrónica Viper Shield para equipar a los F-16 de las Fuerzas Aéreas sudamericanas"

 

 "FIDAE 2026: L3Harris wants to discuss Viper Shield EW with F-16 operators"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Zona Militar

6 March, 2026

Published: https://www.zona-militar.com/en/2026/03/06/fidae-2026-l3harris-wants-to-discuss-viper-shield-ew-with-f-16-operators/

 

"FIDAE 2026: L3Harris presentará el sistema de guerra electrónica Viper Shield para equipar a los F-16 de las Fuerzas Aéreas sudamericanas"

 Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Zona Militar

6 de Marzo del 2026

Published: https://www.zona-militar.com/2026/03/06/fidae-2026-l3harris-presentara-el-sistema-de-guerra-electronica-viper-shield-para-equipar-a-los-f-16-de-las-fuerzas-aereas-sudamericanas/ 

Geopolitical Monitor: "Language Geopolitics: New Constitution Looks to Elevate Kazakh Vis-à-vis Russian"

 

"Language Geopolitics: New Constitution Looks to Elevate Kazakh Vis-à-vis Russian"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Opinion

Geopolitical Monitor

27 February, 2026

Published: https://www.geopoliticalmonitor.com/language-geopolitics-new-constitution-looks-to-elevate-kazakh-vis-a-vis-russian/

 On March 15, the citizens of Kazakhstan will vote in a referendum for a new Constitution. The new document pays significant attention to sovereignty, an important concept across Eurasia (and in Europe too). Moreover, the Constitution will establish the Kazakh language as the country’s dominant language. This is not just a symbolic decision; it will affect the future education of Kazakhstanis, their national identity, and is already affecting relations with the country’s large northern neighbor.

 

Shephard: "The US military is expanding its efforts to modernise mortar technology"

 

"The US military is expanding its efforts to modernise mortar technology"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Shephard

26 February, 2026

Published: https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/landwarfareintl/us-military-expanding-efforts-modernise-mortar-technology/ 

A growing push towards increasing mobility and lethality across forces can be seen in recent contracts and modernisation efforts, with advancing mortar technology playing an integral role in modern warfare.

Future Warfare Magazine: "NarcoDrones fly across #Latin American skies, with lethal payloads"

 

"NarcoDrones  fly across #Latin American skies, with lethal payloads"

Future Warfare Magazine

Issue: 01/2026

Published: Https://fw-mag.com/

 

Zona Militar: "¿Deberían las Fuerzas Armadas de América Latina interesarse en el nano drone Black Hornet 4?"

 

 "Should Latin America be interested in the Black Hornet 4 nano drone?"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Zona Militar

20 February, 2026

Published:  https://www.zona-militar.com/en/2026/02/20/should-latin-america-be-interested-in-the-black-hornet-4-nano-drone/

 

"¿Deberían las Fuerzas Armadas de América Latina interesarse en el nano drone Black Hornet 4?"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Zona Militar

20 de Febrero, 2026

Publicado: https://www.zona-militar.com/2026/02/20/deberian-las-fuerzas-armadas-de-america-latina-interesarse-en-el-nano-drone-black-hornet-4/ 

 

Zona Militar: "La Guardia Costera de EE.UU. moderniza su flota aérea y de superficie con la actualización de sus HC-130J y la construcción de nuevos rompehielos"

 

"La Guardia Costera de EE.UU. moderniza su flota aérea y de superficie con la actualización de sus HC-130J y la construcción de nuevos rompehielos"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Zona Militar

18 February, 2026

Publicado: https://www.zona-militar.com/2026/02/18/la-guardia-costera-de-ee-uu-moderniza-su-flota-aerea-y-de-superficie-con-la-actualizacion-de-sus-hc-130j-y-la-construccion-de-nuevos-rompehielos/

"US Coast upgrades aerial & surface fleet, and icebreakers are on the way"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Zona Militar

18 de Febrero del 2026

Publicado: https://www.zona-militar.com/en/2026/02/18/us-coast-upgrades-aerial-surface-fleet-and-icebreakers-are-on-the-way/

Anadolu "Is Elon Musk’s Starlink a national security threat?"

 

"Is Elon Musk’s Starlink a national security threat?"

By Efe Ozkan

Anadolu News Agency

16 February, 2026

Published: https://x.com/anadoluagency/status/2023407267299959033  

Also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/kwJiihD3JVY?si=ai80cy900os5z7gj

Zona Militar: " Textron presenta el MMUSV mientras la Armada de EE. UU. anuncia una nueva estrategia para la adopción de sistemas no tripulados" / "Textron unveils MMUSV as US Navy announces new strategy"

 

 "Textron presenta el MMUSV mientras la Armada de EE. UU. anuncia una nueva estrategia para la adopción de sistemas no tripulados"

 Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Zona Militar

12 de Febrero del 2026

Publicado: https://www.zona-militar.com/2026/02/12/textron-presenta-el-mmusv-mientras-la-armada-de-ee-uu-anuncia-una-nueva-estrategia-para-la-adopcion-de-sistemas-no-tripulados/

 

"Textron unveils MMUSV as US Navy announces new strategy"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Zona Militar

12 February 2026

Published:  https://www.zona-militar.com/en/2026/02/12/textron-unveils-mmusv-as-us-navy-announces-new-strategy/

DW: "Редкоземельные металлы: что Центральная Азия предлагает США?" / "Rare Earth Metals: What Does Central Asia Offer the US?"

 

 "Редкоземельные металлы: что Центральная Азия предлагает США?"

 By: Екатерина Хван / Ekaterina Khvan

DW

10 February, 2026 

Published: https://www.dw.com/ru/redkozemelnye-metally-v-centralnoj-azii-cto-predlagaut-ssa/a-75895880 

США проявляют интерес к критически важным ресурсам в Центральной Азии. Эксперты считают, что для стран региона это шанс на инвестиции и технологическое развитие, но одновременно растут и геополитические риски.

 Стратегический интерес США и перспективы сотрудничества

С тем, что стратегический интерес США в регионе связан, в первую очередь, с Китаем, согласен и Уайлдер Алехандро Санчес (Wilder Alejandro Sánchez), президент Second Floor Strategies, консалтинговой компании в Вашингтоне, округ Колумбия, соавтор отчета "Использование редкоземельных элементов Центральной Азии для экономического роста". "Администрация Трампа по-прежнему рассматривает Китай и его промышленность как конкурента или угрозу, и руководство обеих партий стремится сломать глобальную монополию Китая на критические минералы и редкоземельные элементы", - объясняет он.

Санчес напоминает, что на встрече в Вашингтоне присутствовали, в том числе, Казахстан и Узбекистан. Последний подписал меморандум о взаимопонимании по критически важным минералам и редкоземельным элементам. Астана и Вашингтон подписали аналогичный меморандум еще в ноябре 2025 года. Эти инициативы открывают возможности для более тесного сотрудничества США со странами региона.

Тем не менее, по мнению Санчеса, перспективы взаимодействия США с регионом остаются довольно сложными: лидерами процесса будут Казахстан и Узбекистан. При этом он сомневается в заинтересованности Кыргызстана и Таджикистана, хотя не исключает, что Душанбе может стремиться к большему объему инвестиций. Туркменистан, как предполагает эксперт, будет действовать более осторожно.

 

E-IR: "Can Kazakhstan’s Regional Ecological Summit Save the Caspian Sea?"

 

"Can Kazakhstan’s Regional Ecological Summit Save the Caspian Sea?"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

E-IR

10 February, 2026 

Published: https://www.e-ir.info/2026/02/10/can-kazakhstans-regional-ecological-summit-save-the-caspian-sea/

 

Kazakhstan will host the Regional Ecological Summit this April. The high-level event will address areas like climate transition, adaptation, and economic resilience; food security; sustainable management of water resources; and combating air pollution. This is a great opportunity for Kazakhstan to consolidate its regional leadership by addressing Central Asian and Eurasian environmental challenges. For the Summit to truly have an impact, however, it must include tangible programs and policies, not just conceptual talking points. Water security is a sensitive issue for landlocked Central Asia. Climate change, population growth, and the mismanagement of water resources make the Summit even more important and timely, as water resources need to be protected and responsibly shared.

Azattyq Asia " «Гол в свои ворота». Западный инвестор ушел из добывающего проекта, обвинив Казахстан в игре не по правилам"

 

  "«Гол в свои ворота». Западный инвестор ушел из добывающего проекта, обвинив Казахстан в игре не по правилам"

By: Азаттык Азия

Azattyq Asia

10 February, 2026

Published: https://www.azattyqasia.org/a/zapadnyy-investor-ushel-iz-dobyvayuschego-proekta-obviniv-kazahstan/33671482.html

 

Президент Second Floor Strategies, консалтинговой компании из Вашингтона Уайлдер Алехандро Санчес полагает, что причина кроется не только в строительстве в Казахстане АЭС, но и в планах по сохранению внутри страны доходов от урана, цена и спрос на который в мире растет.

«Решение Астаны выглядит разумным, поскольку правительство стремится защитить "Казатомпром" и обеспечить, чтобы доходы от минеральных ресурсов Казахстана (в частности урана) оставались в стране. "Казатомпром" планирует сократить добычу урана примерно на 10 процентов в 2026 году, чтобы избежать перенасыщения рынка при недостаточном спросе, однако это решение изменится по мере восстановления роста спроса в ближайшем будущем», — говорит Санчес.

При этом в целом решение аналитик оценивает неоднозначно — из-за влияния на имидж страны и геополитических рисков.

 

Zona Militar: "Allen-Vanguard announces the sale of new electronic countermeasure systems to a South American military" / "Allen-Vanguard entregará nuevos sistemas de contramedidas Equinox NG y Scorpion 2 a las Fuerzas Armadas de un país Sudamericano"

"Allen-Vanguard announces the sale of new electronic countermeasure systems to a South American military"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Zona Militar

10 February, 2026

Published: https://www.zona-militar.com/en/2026/02/10/allen-vanguard-announces-the-sale-of-new-electronic-countermeasure-systems-to-a-south-american-military/

Allen-Vanguard, a producer of Electronic Countermeasures (ECM), announced on 5 February that it has received a multi-million-dollar order for its Equinox NG and Scorpion 2 ECM systems. The client is an undisclosed South American military. Zona Militar had an exclusive interview with Bobby Strawbridge, President of Allen-Vanguard, to discuss this sale and the future.

 

"Allen-Vanguard entregará nuevos sistemas de contramedidas Equinox NG y Scorpion 2 a las Fuerzas Armadas de un país Sudamericano"

 Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Zona Militar

10 de Febrero del 2026

Publicado:  https://www.zona-militar.com/2026/02/10/allen-vanguard-entregara-nuevos-sistemas-de-contramedidas-equinox-ng-y-scorpion-2-a-las-fuerzas-armadas-de-un-pais-sudamericano/

Allen-Vanguard, fabricante de sistemas de Contramedidas Electrónicas (ECM), anunció el pasado 5 de febrero que ha recibido un pedido multimillonario para sus sistemas ECM Equinox NG y Scorpion 2. El cliente es una fuerza armada sudamericana cuya identidad no fue revelada. Zona Militar mantuvo una entrevista exclusiva con Bobby Strawbridge, presidente de Allen-Vanguard, para dialogar sobre esta venta y las perspectivas a futuro.

 

Shephard: "Latin American air forces look beyond fighters to revamp transport aircraft fleets"

 

 

"Latin American air forces look beyond fighters to revamp transport aircraft fleets"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Shephard

4 February, 2026

Published: https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/air-warfare/latin-american-air-forces-revamp-transport-fleets/ 

 

The Mexican Air Force has become the first Latin American operator of the C-130J Super Hercules, but the service is not alone in acquiring a tactical airlifter in recent months.

Geopolitical Monitor: "Will a Post-Dictatorship Iran Treat Ethnic Azerbaijanis Better?"

 

"Will a Post-Dictatorship Iran Treat Ethnic Azerbaijanis Better?"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Opinion

Geopolitical Monitor

4 February, 2026

Published: https://www.geopoliticalmonitor.com/will-a-post-dictatorship-iran-treat-ethnic-azerbaijanis-better/ 

 The population of Iran continues to take to the streets, demanding liberty, a better life, and dignity. Similarly, the Iranian government continues to resort to repressive and violent counter-measures to crack down on protesters. At the time of writing, the number of deaths number is estimated in the thousands. It is still unclear whether the Iranian government will remain in power – Tehran has survived other major uprisings in recent years – or if a transition will occur.

It is important to keep in mind that Iran has a very diverse population. Persians comprise the majority, but there are many minorities and ethnic groups. Tehran’s repressive activities make no distinction among protesters. This analysis will discuss the ongoing Iran crisis by focusing on the Azerbaijani population of Iran, a critical factor in the ongoing protests.

The National Interest: "Why Donald Trump Should Visit Central Asia in 2026"

 

"Why Donald Trump Should Visit Central Asia in 2026"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

The National Interest

30 January, 2026

Published: https://nationalinterest.org/blog/silk-road-rivalries/why-donald-trump-should-visit-central-asia-in-2026

 

While the White House has paid more attention to Central Asia than past administrations, it is unclear where the region fits on the US priority list. 

Central Asia, due to its vast energy and mineral resources, is of critical importance to China, Europe, Russia, and the United States. While geographically distant, the US government has made important strides in recent years to increase its engagement with Central Asia, including a high-profile 5+1 presidential meeting in Washington in late 2025. It would not just be symbolic, but also very important, if President Donald Trump visited a Central Asian country like Kazakhstan this year, one of the two Central Asian countries that joined Trump’s Board of Peace at the recent Davos conference.

 

 

KazInform: "The government must adapt to the new realities, says an American expert" / Правительство должно адаптироваться к новым реалиям — американский эксперт "

  

"Правительство должно адаптироваться к новым реалиям — американский эксперт" or "The government must adapt to the new realities, says an American expert"

By Rustem Kozhybaev

 KazInform

29 January, 2026

Published: https://www.inform.kz/ru/pravitelstvo-dolzhno-adaptirovatsya-k-novim-realiyam-amerikanskiy-ekspert

 

Правительство — живой организм, и оно должно развиваться и адаптироваться к новым внутренним и глобальным реалиям. Аналогичным образом, все государственные учреждения должны быть модернизированы для более эффективного выполнения своих обязанностей, заявил Уайлдер Алехандро Санчес, президент консалтинговой фирмы «Second Floor Strategies LLC» в Вашингтоне, комментируя политические преобразования в Казахстане, анонсированные на V Национальном курултае, собственному корреспонденту агентства Kazinform.

 

 

Zona Militar: "Oshkosh Defense will deliver additional DXPV Kaaiman to The Netherlands"

 

 

"Oshkosh Defense will deliver additional DXPV Kaaiman to The Netherlands"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Zona Militar

23 January, 2026

Published: https://www.zona-militar.com/en/2026/01/23/oshkosh-defense-will-deliver-additional-dxpv-kaaiman-to-the-netherlands/

 

"Oshkosh Defense entregará vehículos expedicionarios DXPV Kaaiman adicionales a la Infantería de Marina de los Países Bajos"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Zona Militar

23 de Enero del 2026

Publicado: https://www.zona-militar.com/2026/01/23/oshkosh-defense-entregara-vehiculos-expedicionarios-dxpv-kaaiman-adicionales-a-la-infanteria-de-marina-de-los-paises-bajos/ 

 

 

 

NEGlobal: "Moldova’s foreign policy goals for 2026: No unification, but more European integration"

 

 

"Moldova’s foreign policy goals for 2026: No unification, but more European integration"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

NEGlobal

20 January 2026

Published: https://www.neglobal.eu/moldovas-foreign-policy-goals-for-2026-no-unification-but-more-european-integration/

Moldovan President Maia Sandu said in a recent media interview that she would support Moldova’s unification with Romania if the Moldovan population voted in favor of this initiative. While this initiative is unlikely to happen, this statement highlights the strong relations between Chisinau and Bucharest (current and historical).

Furthermore, President Sandu’s statement can also be put in the context of Moldova’s growing engagement with Europe. At the end of 2025, Moldova’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister, Mihai Popsoi, discussed his ministry’s five diplomatic achievements for the year. One new accomplishment is that Moldova is currently the president of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe and will organize a major ministerial summit in May. Moldova’s quest to join the European Union — President Sandu wants her country to join the bloc by the end of the decade — remains steadfast. If the first half of the 2020s can be summarized as Moldova embarking on a European quest, the second half of the decade will cement it.

 

 

The Diplomat: " The Feasibility of Kazakhstan’s Digitalization Ambitions "

 

 "The Feasibility of Kazakhstan’s Digitalization Ambition"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

The Diplomat 

Crossroads

14 January, 2026

Published: https://thediplomat.com/2026/01/the-feasibility-of-kazakhstans-digitalization-ambitions/ 

Tokayev is committed to making Kazakhstan “fully digital within the next three years,” but what exactly does that mean, and are the government and people of Kazakhstan ready?

 

 

Breaking Defense: " While the US military grabbed Maduro, where was Venezuela’s air force? "

 

 

"While the US military grabbed Maduro, where was Venezuela’s air force?"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Breaking Defense

09 January, 2026

Published: https://breakingdefense.com/2026/01/while-the-us-military-grabbed-maduro-where-was-venezuelas-air-force/

Experts said operational surprise was certainly a factor, but so too were years-long issues with Caracas’s aircraft fleet and personnel.

 

WASHINGTON — When the United States military launched an operation to fly directly into downtown Caracas and snatch Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, top US officials noted that the invading force was met with limited ground-to-air fire — but they made no mention of any aerial resistance.