Even though Venezuela had a considerable number of russian air defense systems, they proved ineffective against U.S. aircraft in Operation Absolute Resolve. At the same time, Venezuela also suffered significant losses among its air defense systems.
Perhaps the heaviest and most significant losses were suffered by the Buk‑M2E air defense systems. By the morning after the operation, photos and videos of a destroyed 9A317E self‑propelled firing vehicle at La Carlota airbase in Caracas were already circulating online.
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Later, images emerged showing other destroyed or damaged vehicles from the Buk‑M2E system. Apparently, the largest number of vehicles from the system were hit at the Marine Corps base, near Caracas Airport.
Judging by the published video, two 9A316E launch and load vehicles, two 9A316E self-propelled firing vehicles, and one 9S510E command post were destroyed or damaged. All this equipment was stored in one hangar.
Photos suggest that additional equipment was present in the nearby hangars, but its exact identity remains unclear. Another 9S510E command post was hit at the Higuerote Airport.
One 9A316E launch and load vehicle was also hit in the port of La Guaira. This confirms the destruction or damage of three 9A317E self-propelled firing vehicles, three 9A316E launch and load vehicles, and two 9S510E command posts.
Actual losses are likely higher, since this only includes equipment that was photographed and could be verified. So far, there are no confirmed reports of damage to the 9S18M1‑3 Kupol radar, a key part of the Buk‑M2E system that had been spotted in Venezuela before the operation. These assets should have been considered priority targets for destruction.
In total, between 2011 and 2014, russia supplied Venezuela with approximately 12 Buk-M2E systems, according to open sources. This amounts to approximately two divisions of the Buk‑M2E air defense system. A standard division consists of six 9A317E self‑propelled firing vehicles, three to six 9A316E launch‑and‑load vehicles, one 9S510E command post, one 9S18M1‑3 Kupol radar, and one 9S36E radar.
It is also worth noting that a significant portion of the Buk-M2E systems are in unknown technical condition. It is likely that some of them simply broke down due to lack of proper maintenance and are now inoperable.
It can be concluded that Venezuela lost a significant portion of its Buk‑M2E systems within hours, without shooting down a single American aircraft. It is important to note that if only two divisions were sent to Venezuela, then there were only two 9S510E command posts, one of which was destroyed and the other damaged.
If the damage proves to be serious enough, Venezuela will be left without command posts for its Buk-M2E systems, which will significantly reduce the effectiveness and combat capabilities of these air defense systems.
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