USA Deployed a Radar System in Tobago to Monitor the Airspace Near Venezuela

The US has deployed a multi-purpose AN/TPS-80 G/ATOR radar system on the island of Tobago, 70 miles off the coast of Venezuela.

The radar is located at the end of the runway at A. N. R. Robinson International Airport, according to ConflictTR.

The station has a range of up to 170 miles (over 270 km), allowing it to monitor a significant portion of Venezuela’s airspace.

G/ATOR is a US Marine Corps military radar designed for early warning of air threats, including stealth targets, cruise missiles, and UAVs.

The official explanation from the US side is “to strengthen the monitoring of sea lanes and combat drug trafficking.”

However, the system has a clear defensive purpose and is used to detect air targets under challenging conditions.

The Tobago government initially stated that there were no US Marines on the island and that there were no plans to install the radar.

The next day, the position was changed: the authorities confirmed the deployment of the US system.

In addition, the government called this decision “a strengthening of US surveillance and intelligence capabilities.”

The deployment of G/ATOR comes amid growing tensions between the US and Venezuela and disputes over security in the Caribbean region.

It should be noted that the US recently began deploying troops just 15 km from Venezuela.

In particular, the USS Gravely destroyer arrived in Trinidad and Tobago.