Reports that F-35s would deploy to Puerto Rico to hunt cartel flights surprised observers, but the move mirrors decades‑old practice — Operation Coronet Nighthawk routinely used fighters for counter‑narcotics missions. The deployment raises operational questions and heightens tensions with Venezuela as U.S. jets operate closer to the Caribbean.
Discovered |
Briefing
Using high-end stealth fighters for counter‑narcotics alters sortie generation, sustainment and basing demands for fifth‑generation fleets; see the USAF’s forward deployment of F-35s to the Philippines.
Forward operations near the Caribbean can elevate regional tensions and complicate coalition logistics and ROE, comparable to F-35C forward carrier operations during Talisman Sabre.
The mission set reinforces debates over how to arm and task F-35 fleets in non‑peer roles — reflected in reviews of interim stand‑off weapons for F-35s.
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The War Zone
• Thomas Newdick