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U.S. Sends F-35 Aircraft to the Caribbean to Strengthen Military Operations

Written by Sara Aquino
Published on 06/09/2025 at 14:06
Updated on 06/09/2025 at 14:07
EUA deslocam caças F-35 para Porto Rico, no Caribe, em missão contra cartéis de drogas e reforço da presença militar americana na região.
Foto: Tech Mundo
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US Deploys F-35 Fighters to Puerto Rico, in the Caribbean, in Mission Against Drug Cartels and Reinforcement of American Military Presence in the Region.

The United States has sent 10 aircraft F-35 to Puerto Rico, in the Caribbean, in an operation announced this week. The next-generation fighters, valued at about US$ 80 million each, have the primary objective of supporting actions against drug cartels operating in the southern region.

This measure reinforces the American military presence in a strategic territory, expanding surveillance reach and rapid response capability in the hemisphere.

Why the US Decided to Reinforce the Caribbean

According to the US Department of Defense, the deployment of the fighters meets a growing need to monitor routes used by drug trafficking.

The Caribbean has been one of the main drug trafficking corridors towards North America. Thus, the sending of the fleet represents not only a measure against organized crime but also a strategic action to strengthen regional security.

Moreover, the presence of F-35 aircraft in Puerto Rico serves as a political and military message. For Washington, maintaining advanced airpower in the Caribbean is a way to deter external threats and ensure greater control over the region’s airspace.

Cutting-Edge Technology: What Makes the F-35 So Lethal

The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, more commonly known as the F-35, is considered one of the most expensive and ambitious military projects in history.

Since its inception, the American government has invested over US$ 2 trillion in the development and modernization program of the fighter, according to data from the US Government Accountability Office.

“The F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter is the most ambitious weapon program of the Department of Defense and plays a crucial role in the Department’s ability to meet current and future US national security goals,” the Office highlighted in a statement.

Among its main features are stealth—capability to avoid detection by enemy radars—and the ability to carry weapons internally, which reduces exposure in combat.

Furthermore, the fighter can fire medium-range missiles and operate efficiently in any weather condition, day or night.

F-35 Aircraft Specifications

Length: 15.7 meters;

Height: 4.38 meters;

Maximum Takeoff Weight: 31,800 kg;

Cargo Capacity: 8,160 kg;

Maximum Speed: Mach 1.6 (≈ 1,930 km/h);

Range: over 2,170 km with internal fuel.

These numbers highlight the versatility and power of the aircraft, capable of operating in different war scenarios and strategic missions.

Impact on Security in the Caribbean

With the arrival of the aircraft, the US significantly expands its military power in a region of strong geopolitical contention.

Puerto Rico, being an American territory, becomes a vital support point for long-range air operations.

Meanwhile, defense experts emphasize that the presence of F-35 fighters in the Caribbean goes beyond combating drug trafficking.

It also reinforces the message that the United States maintains full capability to project military power in different parts of the world, even in the face of new international challenges.

The Aircraft That Redefines Air Warfare

The F-35 is not just a combat aircraft; it represents a new era of military aviation. With advanced sensors, integrated systems, and the ability to engage enemies before being detected, the fighter consolidates itself as a key component of American defense strategy.

For the US, its presence in the Caribbean is a combination of military deterrence and direct combat against threats, whether criminal or strategic.

Thus, the arrival of the fighters reinforces that the region remains on Washington’s priority radar, both in terms of security and international politics.

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Sara Aquino

Farmacêutica e Redatora. Escrevo sobre Empregos, Geopolítica, Economia, Ciência, Tecnologia e Energia.

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