Executive Summary 

Venezuela is highly likely to continue the development and production of Iranian-designed drones on a local scale. However, these systems, based on the Mohaje and the Shahed, are not expected to see any significant capacity overhaul in the short term due to their technical specifications. Despite having the same designs, the local copies display serious limitations in payload capacity, flight autonomy and range of action in comparison with the original models. 

Current evidence suggests the Iranian drones produced in Venezuela lack the capacity to conduct kinetic strikes beyond national borders. Coupled with the current status of operational readiness of local airmen assigned to drone squads, this indicates a primary purpose of border protection and domestic surveillance. Said operations include counterinsurgency efforts and political policing. 

Looking ahead, Venezuela is highly likely to lose its regional supremacy as neighbouring countries develop their capabilities in drone warfare. Colombia’s recent deployment of its national armed drone and Brazil’s new procurement initiatives indicate Venezuela is no longer the only Latin American country with unmanned airframes. Additionally, Bolivia’s defence cooperation with Iran may further erode Venezuela’s lead in the region.