Are Russian Kh-31 Anti-Ship Missiles in Venezuela Putting US Warships at Risk?

The United States has expressed concern over reports that Venezuela may possess Russian-made Kh-31 anti-ship missiles, which could pose a threat to US Navy vessels operating near the country’s coastline.

According to The War Zone on October 21, the Kh-31 missile—known in its anti-ship configuration as the Kh-31A—is capable of supersonic flight and can target naval vessels up to destroyer class.

The missiles are typically deployed from Su-30MK2 fighter jets, 24 of which Venezuela purchased from Russia in the early 2000s. Most of these aircraft remain operational.

The War Zone reports that while it remains unclear whether Venezuela received the anti-ship version (Kh-31A) or only the anti-radiation version (Kh-31P), both variants could present a risk to US forces.

The anti-radiation model can home in on radar emissions, potentially endangering ships using active radar systems.

Recently, the Venezuelan government released footage of Su-30 jets armed with Kh-31 missiles conducting flights over coastal areas.

The demonstration followed President Donald Trump’s decision to deploy US Navy ships to the Caribbean earlier this year, heightening tensions between Washington and Caracas.

The Kh-31A missile has an operational range of approximately 70 to 160 kilometers, depending on launch conditions and variant. It travels at speeds of up to Mach 3.5 and uses an active radar seeker to guide itself toward its target.

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The missile is designed to penetrate a vessel’s hull before detonation or to deliver a high-explosive blast if it passes directly above.

In late September, The War Zone noted that US military assets had been repositioned near Venezuela to support potential amphibious operations, further underscoring Washington’s attention to regional security risks.

While neither the Pentagon nor Venezuelan officials have publicly confirmed the presence of Kh-31A missiles, the reports add a new dimension to growing concerns over Russian military exports to Latin America.

Earlier, Russia’s state arms exporter Rosoboronexport completed the first phase of an ammunition plant in Venezuela, with a projected annual output of 70 million 7.62 mm rounds for Kalashnikov rifles.

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