U.S. poised to gain access to Russian military hardware following Venezuela regime change

Defense Express reported the information.

Following the dramatic capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in Caracas on the night of January 3, the United States announced plans to directly oversee the country during a transition of power while regaining control of Venezuela's oil industry—the world's largest proven reserves. Beyond the geopolitical and economic implications, American defense officials now stand to gain unprecedented access to Russian military systems that have armed Venezuela's military for nearly two decades.

Venezuela's armed forces represent one of the most heavily equipped militaries in South America, largely due to extensive weapons transfers from Moscow. Among the most valuable intelligence targets are the S-300VM air defense systems delivered by Russia in 2013, along with Pantsir and Buk-M2 surface-to-air missile systems, some of which were recently transported to Venezuela via IL-76TD cargo flights in October 2025. While some of these systems may have been destroyed during U.S. air operations to clear Caracas airspace—including at least one confirmed Buk-M2—any surviving units would provide critical intelligence on Russian air defense technology currently deployed in conflict zones and exported to nations including Iran.

The Pentagon is also interested in examining Venezuela's fleet of 21 Su-30MKV fighter jets acquired beginning in 2006, particularly the advanced R-77 air-to-air missiles they carry, which represent Russia's most modern air combat weaponry. Additionally, the 300mm Smerch multiple rocket launcher systems and Iranian Mohajer-6 reconnaissance drones acquired by Caracas could offer valuable technical insights.

Beyond immediate intelligence gathering, Washington is expected to pressure any new Venezuelan government to abandon its Russian military infrastructure entirely. The country's arsenal includes 92 T-72B tanks, 123 BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicles, 114 BTR-80A armored personnel carriers, 48 2S19 Msta-S self-propelled howitzers, and dozens of Russian-made helicopters—all of which require Russian technical support to maintain. As part of implementing the Monroe Doctrine and eliminating Russian influence in the Western Hemisphere, U.S. officials are likely to insist on replacing these systems with American equipment, effectively dismantling one of South America's most capable military forces and ensuring its realignment with Washington.