The United States has increased its airpower presence in the Caribbean by deploying at least 10 MQ-9A Reaper drones, 11 CV-22B Ospreys, 10 MC-130J Commando IIs, and 36 fighter aircraft to Puerto Rico. This move is part of a broader strategy to enhance military capabilities in the region.
Specific operational roles for the deployed assets include the following: the Rafael Hernández Airport (BQN) will serve as a hub for special operations and drone activities; the José Aponte de la Torre Airport (RVR) will host strike assets and support the Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IWOARG ACE); the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) will focus on command and control (C2), intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), and electronic warfare (EW); while the Ponce Airport (PSE) will facilitate operations for the Navy and U.S. Marine Corps.
This deployment reflects ongoing efforts by the U.S. to strengthen its military posture in response to regional security challenges. For further context on military activities in the region, see recent developments regarding military exercises around Taiwan.
