Venezuela’s F-16s and Su-30s: how many are combat-ready?
September 13, 2025
As the spotlight shines on the Venezuelan air force after it flew two F-16 Fighting Falcons over the US warships, the question of what operational combat aircraft Venezuela actually has is called into question. This article considers the combat fixed-wing aircraft of the Bolivarian Military Aviation of Venezuela.
Venezuela’s fleet of F-16 Fighting Falcons
Venezuela purchased a fleet of 24 F-16A/B Block 15s in the 1980s from the United States at a time when the two countries enjoyed close ties. At the time, there was debate in Washington about the wisdom of allowing advanced fighter jets to be sold to Latin American countries.
In the end, two dozen were sold to Venezuela, partly in response to threats by Cuba’s then-powerful Soviet-supplied air force. These were, by a considerable margin, the most advanced fighter jets in Latin America at the time. Chile purchased F-16s later, and most recently, Argentina has purchased a few ex-Danish F-16s.
Venezuelan F-16s were equipped at the same standard as those operated by the US and its allies. However, relations with the US soured after the 1992 coup, and the US eventually cut off support for these fighter jets.
According to the open-source Latin American Military Aviation analyst, the only meaningful upgrade they received was the integration of the Israeli Python IV short-range IR AAM.
The effect on operational readiness has been catastrophic, for the Aviación Militar Bolivariana this has meant a readiness rate of 30-40%. Pilots might well be willing to fly potentially suicidal missions for some extra money 2/ pic.twitter.com/afcsqPT4WI
— Latin American Military Aviation (@LatinMilAv) September 7, 2025
Venezuela is reported to have two squadrons flying the F-16s, and some estimates say it has around 18 F-16s in inventory. But how many are operational is a very different story, with FlightGlobal listing just three in its 2025 report.
Latin American Military Aviation initially estimated Venezuela could have 7-8 F-16s in flyable condition, but later reduced its estimate to just 3-4 Fighting Falcons. There is also no evidence they carry anything more than short-range AAMs and unguided air-to-ground munitions.
Venezuela’s fleet of Sukhoi Su-30MKV Flankers
The backbone of Venezuela’s frontline fighter jet fleet is the Russian-supplied Sukhoi Su-30 Flanker. The country purchased 24 Flankers in 2006 and planned to purchase another 12 in 2015, but that failed, leaving the country with just two dozen Flankers.
These Su-30s are also in a very poor state, and Latin American Military Aviation estimates the country may only have around 13 in flyable condition. FlightGlobal lists the country as having 21 in inventory.
The Sukhoi Su-30s represent the country’s primary anti-ship capability when armed with the Kh-31 air-to-surface missile.
Even with Russia remaining an ally, it has been exceptionally difficult for the country to maintain these aircraft, especially after the economy collapsed in 2014.
In the event of a protracted conflict, it is plausible that Venezuela could bring debilitated airframes back into service just as Ukraine has.
Important to recall that the operational readiness of both the AMB de Venezuela Su-30's and F-16's is likely low with perhaps 13 and 6 flyable respectively and operability of their internal systems questionable at best. 3/ pic.twitter.com/TmLdPFhlgT
— Latin American Military Aviation (@LatinMilAv) September 5, 2025
There is also an outside chance it could even bring old Mirage jets (retired in 2009) into service. This seems unlikely, as some of the last flyable airframes were transferred to Ecuador after retirement.
Other Venezuelan combat aircraft
After these jets, Venezuela may have some ageing Northrop F-5 light fighters in flyable condition, and it has purchased some Sino-Pakistani K-8W Karakorum advanced trainers/light fighters. The K-8s were purchased to replace the old F-5s as well as the North American Rockwell OV-10A Broncos.
These are not frontline fighters and would only be of use in a permissive environment, like against poorly armed insurgents. Another combat-capable aircraft Venezuela has is the Brazilian turboprop EMB-312 Tucano, designed as a trainer and light fighter.
BTW – whatever happens in the Caribbean in the next few days/weeks, rest assured that the Fuerza Aérea Revolucionaria de Cuba will play no role. What was once one of the largest fixed wing combat force in Latin America is down to maybe 2-3 Aero L-39's. #Venezuela pic.twitter.com/JIqDY8bxpu
— Latin American Military Aviation (@LatinMilAv) September 6, 2025
Perhaps the most notable aerial capability Venezuela has is its various one-way attack drones built with the assistance of Iran. According to the Miami Herald, Venezuela first signed a technical-military agreement with Iran that included drone technology transfer, training, and parts supply in 2006.
For now, tension in the region is escalating. In 2024, the US seized the Venezuelan president’s Falcon 900EX after seizing and dismantling a Boeing 747 Jumbo cargo plane.
