Base Expansion and Radar Deployment: U.S. Modernizes Military Infrastructure Near Venezuela

U.S. Armed Forces are modernizing and restoring infrastructure at the former Roosevelt Roads Naval Base in Ceiba, Puerto Rico, as part of efforts to reestablish their presence there.

Satellite images from the Faytuks Network reveal ongoing construction at the base, including the expansion of the runway and the installation of a radar surveillance post equipped with an AN/TPS-75 radar on the island of Saint Croix.

As noted by the publication, U.S. forces have already completed the modernization of the taxiway at the northern end of the base, which could potentially increase the number of aircraft that can be accommodated on the facility.

Meanwhile, a significant number of tents have been spotted near the runway. It is unclear who they are intended for at this stage. However, several possibilities are being considered: either for the workers involved in the base’s modernization or for units of the U.S. forces, including special operations units.

Recently, U.S. media have been actively reporting on America’s preparations for a potential conflict with Venezuela. Militarnyi, citing the Wall Street Journal, revealed that the U.S. has already identified potential military targets in Venezuela and is considering strikes on drug trafficking-related facilities as one of the options for further action.

In this context, Washington is revitalizing its military infrastructure near Venezuela and deploying a naval strike group led by the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford to the Caribbean. The arrival of the carrier is anticipated in early November.

Additionally, in the third week of October, the U.S. destroyer USS Gravely (DDG-107) arrived in Trinidad and Tobago, just a few dozen kilometers from the coast of Venezuela. U.S. Marines conducted joint training exercises with local security forces during the visit.

Amid the U.S. military buildup, Caracas sought military assistance from Russia, China, and Iran. Following this request, a Russian Ilyushin Il-76 (RA-78765) was spotted arriving in Venezuela.

The aircraft is operated by Aviacon Zitotrans, a company that owns six transport planes. The company is under sanctions by the U.S., Canada, and Ukraine due to its connections with Russian military entities. It has repeatedly supplied military equipment to regions where Russian mercenaries, including the Wagner Group, have operated.

According to U.S. documents, in a letter from Maduro to Vladimir Putin, there is a request for the provision of defense radars, the modernization of aircraft, and the supply of missile systems.

The Venezuelan president also proposed the modernization of Su-30MK2 fighter jets and suggested creating a three-year financing plan through the Rostec corporation.