“Any military force in the world knows the power of the IGLA-S,” Maduro said. “Venezuela has no more and no less than 5,000 IGLA-S in key anti-aircraft defence positions to guarantee peace, stability, and the tranquillity of our people.”

Maduro’s remarks came shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to launch operations against drug traffickers operating on land, a move that has heightened tensions between Washington and Caracas.

The IGLA-S, similar to the U.S.-made Stinger missile, is a short-range, man-portable air defence system designed to target drones, helicopters, and low-flying aircraft. According to Russia ’s state arms exporter Rosoboronexport, the weapon has a range of up to six kilometres and can reach altitudes of 3.5 kilometres.

Venezuela first acquired the IGLA-S systems between 2005 and 2008 as part of a major arms deal with Russia under former President Hugo Chávez, aimed at modernising the country’s military. The stockpile remains one of the largest collections of such weapons in Latin America.