Venezuela deploys over 5,000 Russian-made Igla-S MANPADS to secure airspace

Venezuelan ruler Nicolás Maduro announced on Thursday, October 23, 2025, that the nation has deployed over 5,000 Russian-made Igla-S man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS) in key positions to protect its airspace. This move comes amid an escalating U.S. military presence in the Caribbean.

Experts have noted the limitations of the Igla-S system, which has a maximum engagement altitude of 3.5 kilometers and a range of 6 kilometers. The system is designed to target low-flying threats such as helicopters and drones, but it poses minimal risk to high-altitude modern warplanes. The deployment of these systems, part of Venezuela"s arsenal sourced from Russia, underscores Caracas"s defiance in the face of external pressures while highlighting gaps in its broader aerial defense capabilities.

For further context on international relations, recent developments regarding sanctions on Russian imports may be relevant.