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Venezuela Loses Most of Its Russian Acquired Buk-M2E Air Defenses Without Shooting Down a Single US Jet
Despite possessing a sizable arsenal of Russian-made air defense systems, Venezuela failed to counter US aircraft during the rapid Operation Absolute Resolve, suffering significant losses among its surface-to-air missile units.
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According to a Defense Express report, the most substantial and visible losses were inflicted on the Buk‑M2E air defense systems. By the morning following the operation, photos and videos had surfaced online showing a destroyed 9A317E self-propelled firing unit at La Carlota airbase in Caracas.
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Subsequent footage revealed additional Buk‑M2E equipment either destroyed or damaged. The heaviest concentration of losses appears to have occurred at a Marine Corps base in Las Zorras, near Caracas airport. Video evidence indicates that a single hangar housed—and subsequently lost—two 9A316E transporter‑erector‑launchers, two 9A317E firing units, and one 9S510E command post.
More images showing the aftermath of U.S. airstrikes on the command post, launchers, and radar units of Venezuela’s Buk‑M2EK Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) system. pic.twitter.com/xS4vbxe3ZJ
— OSINTWarfare (@OSINTWarfare) January 8, 2026
Nearby hangars also contained military equipment, though its exact type has not yet been identified. Another 9S510E command post was reportedly hit at Higuerote airport, while a separate 9A316E launcher was struck at the port of La Guaira.
In total, there is confirmed visual evidence of at least three destroyed or damaged 9A317E firing units, three 9A316E launchers, and two 9S510E command posts, Defense Express notes. Actual losses are likely higher, as this count reflects only systems that were filmed and positively identified.
Notably, no confirmed strikes have been recorded against the 9S18M1‑3 Kupol target acquisition radar—an integral component of the Buk‑M2E system and a high‑priority target—which had previously been observed in Venezuela.
Between 2011 and 2014, Russia delivered approximately 12 Buk‑M2E firing units to Venezuela, roughly equivalent to two battalion sets. A standard Buk‑M2E battalion includes six 9A317E firing units, three to six 9A316E launchers, one 9S510E command post, one 9S18M1‑3 Kupol radar, and a 9S36E fire control radar.
Defense Express also highlights that the technical condition of many Buk‑M2E vehicles remains unclear, with some systems potentially non-operational due to inadequate maintenance.
As a result, Venezuela appears to have lost a significant portion of its Buk‑M2E capability within hours—without downing a single US aircraft. Crucially, if Venezuela operated only two battalion sets, it would have had just two 9S510E command posts. One has been destroyed and the other damaged.
Should the remaining command post prove irreparable, Venezuela’s Buk‑M2E systems would be left without centralized command and control, severely degrading their combat effectiveness.
Earlier, it was reported that oil tankers connected to Venezuela’s shadow fleet are racing across the Atlantic in an apparent attempt to evade US naval forces, with several vessels reportedly re‑registering under the Russian flag to avoid interception.
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