In recent hours, several videos have surfaced showing the flight of at least four F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft belonging to the Bolivarian Military Aviation of Venezuela. The formation of the fighters flew over Maracay on November 7, a day after two U.S. Air Force B-52H strategic bombers operated off the Venezuelan coast.
From X accounts specializing in monitoring developments of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces, such as @ConflictsW and @Arr3ch0, videos went viral showing four Venezuelan F-16s flying in formation over Maracay. The footage reignited the debate regarding the number of Fighting Falcons the Bolivarian Military Aviation currently has in service and how the force manages to keep these aircraft operational despite the U.S. embargo.
Various analyses from open sources—often based on material published on social media—agree that the Bolivarian Military Aviation likely has between four and seven F-16 Fighting Falcons capable of flight. The force rarely publishes information about the activity of these fighters, except when reporting the interception and downing of aircraft engaged in irregular flights linked to drug trafficking.
Another recurring point of debate whenever Venezuelan F-16s appear in public is the Bolivarian Military Aviation’s ability to keep these veteran fighters operational, particularly given the U.S.-imposed embargo. Although there are records suggesting black-market transactions, it remains unclear how Caracas has managed to acquire spare parts and components to keep its Fighting Falcons flying.
It is worth recalling that the then Venezuelan Air Force acquired a total of 24 F-16A/B Fighting Falcon Block 15 fighters in 1982 under the Peace Delta program. The purchase marked a milestone for the region and for relations between Caracas and Washington, as it was a state-of-the-art weapons system that placed Venezuela at the forefront of regional air combat capabilities.
However, over the years, the breakdown in relations with the United States began to mark the decline of Venezuela’s F-16 fleet. Despite the veto and embargo imposed by Washington, the Venezuelan Air Force has found ways to continue operating its Fighting Falcons, as seen in recent days.
Even so, another point under discussion is the actual combat capability of Venezuela’s remaining F-16s, as it is speculated that many of their systems may no longer be fully operational. For now, the 16th Fighter Group “Dragons” will continue to draw attention every time its Fighting Falcons soar through Venezuelan skies.
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