As part of United States Marine Corps (USMC) operations in the Caribbean, AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters belonging to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263 (Reinforced), integrated into the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, carried out new live-fire exercises with AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles. The drills, conducted on November 25, 2025, in Caribbean waters, formed part of U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) operations aimed at strengthening response capabilities to regional threats and reinforcing maritime security and counternarcotics missions.
During the exercise, the AH-1Z Vipers launched Sidewinder missiles against simulated targets, demonstrating their accuracy and effectiveness in air-to-air combat scenarios. According to images released by the USMC, the amphibious ship USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD-28) also participated, with flare launches and flight-deck operations taking place on board. These activities reaffirmed the versatility of the Viper helicopter, designed to operate in high-threat environments and equipped with a modern weapons system that allows it to conduct both offensive and defensive missions.
The presence of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (SOC) in the Caribbean responds to guidance from the U.S. Department of Defense and presidential priorities to protect national territory and counter illicit drug trafficking, mainly originating from Venezuela and northern South America. In this context, U.S. forces maintain a constant deployment in the region under Southern Command, which includes naval patrols, joint operations, and integration exercises with allied nations. The activity of the AH-1Z Vipers is thus framed within a regional deterrence scheme and the strengthening of air and maritime control.
These new exercises come just weeks after the extensive amphibious deployment carried out by the Marines in the Caribbean during September, amid a climate of tensions with Venezuela. On that occasion, the 22nd MEU conducted operations in Puerto Rico that included landings, tactical flights, and combat simulations, with support from F-35B stealth fighters, CH-53K helicopters, and AH-1Z attack aircraft. These maneuvers were interpreted as a show of force and a strategic warning to Caracas, which denounced the growing militarization of the region by Washington.
The intensification of U.S. operations in the Caribbean has also been marked by recent incidents involving vessels—known as narco-boats—originating from Venezuela, accused of transporting drugs and linked to criminal organizations such as “Tren de Aragua.” In recent months, the U.S. military response, which included the use of naval and combat air assets, has been presented by the U.S. administration as a legitimate action in defense of national security. In parallel, Nicolás Maduro’s government denounced the presence of U.S. warships as a provocation and a hostile act against its sovereignty.
With these new weapons tests, the AH-1Z Vipers consolidate their role as one of the USMC’s main attack platforms. Their ability to operate from amphibious ships or forward bases makes them a key asset for expeditionary operations. The continuation of this training reflects the United States’ intent to maintain its military presence in the Caribbean and sustain a high level of readiness for any potential crisis scenario in the region.
*Image credits: U.S. Department of Defense
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