The Russian supersonic Kh-31A missiles, operated by the Venezuelan Air Force on Su-30MK2V fighters, pose a real threat to US warships patrolling the Caribbean Sea. Known to NATO as the AS-17 Krypton, the missile can reach speeds of up to Mach 3.5 and is designed to penetrate the hull of ships before detonating.
Videos released from Caracas show Venezuelan fighters conducting exercises with these weapons, sending a clear message of deterrence amid the US military presence near the country’s coast.
With a range of up to 50 km, the Kh-31A is difficult to intercept due to its high speed and maneuverability. Although developed during the Cold War, it remains effective, especially against short-range targets.
The US Navy, which has used versions of the missile as test targets, recognizes its destructive potential and maintains several warships in the region, including destroyers, cruisers, and the USS Iwo Jima amphibious group, with over 4,500 personnel aboard.
In addition to Su-30s with Russian missiles, Venezuela has only one operational frigate and some naval weapons of Italian and Iranian origin, with shorter range and subsonic speed. Despite the limited arsenal, the combination of fighters and Kh-31A missiles is considered the main risk factor for US forces. A direct attack on an American ship would be an extreme act and would likely lead to a large-scale military confrontation.
Source: The War Zone | Photo: X @MonitorX99800 | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
⚡#BREAKING – Venezuelan Air Force shows off it’s Russian SU-30 armed with a Russian supersonic Kh-31 air-to-surface missiles as tensions continue to rise between the US and Venezuela. pic.twitter.com/Oap2BS2uUB
— Monitor (@MonitorX99800) September 15, 2025
