Venezuela Doesn’t Stand a Chance Against the USS Gerald R. Ford

[rangerrebew]

Venezuela Doesn’t Stand a Chance Against the USS Gerald R. Ford
November 25, 2025
By: Harrison Kass
 
The USS Gerald R. Ford is the most advanced aircraft carrier in the world—and has ample countermeasures to thwart any conceivable threat Venezuela’s mid-tier military could pose.
The Trump administration has deployed the USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s most advanced aircraft carrier, to the Caribbean Sea in a show of force designed to impress Venezuela’s Maduro regime. The Ford’s presence immediately elevates the United States to the dominant power in the region, unrivaled in any meaningful capacity. But, that being said, it’s worth asking: is there any practical way that Venezuela could harm the $13 billion Ford?

The short—and long—answer is no. There is no weapon in Venezuela’s inventory that could reliably do damage to the Ford—and many weapons in the Ford’s inventory that could do the reverse.
 
Could Venezuela Destroy the Ford from the Air?
No, Venezuela could not destroy the Ford from the air.

Venezuela has one of South America’s more capable air forces—although, that’s a low bar. Currently, Venezuela fields a fleet of aging F-16A/Bs with forty year old tech, Su-30MK2 Flankers with 20-year old tech, limited AWACS or sensor support, and limited radar coverage over open water.
 
In practice, this means that Venezuela does not have the aerial ability to 1) find a carrier at sea reliably, 2) penetrate US fighter screens, and 3) survive against E-2D Hawkeyes, F/A-18s, and EA-18Gs. Any Venezuelan attempt to attack the Ford from the air would be detected from hundreds of miles away, intercepted long before entering

https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/venezuela-doesnt-stand-a-chance-against-uss-gerald-r-ford-hk-112525

[rangerrebew]

Just like Ukraine didn't stand a chance against the Russian Military?  Overconfidence and smugness are the death knells of militaries.

[Cyber Liberty]

Just like Ukraine didn't stand a chance against the Russian Military?  Overconfidence and smugness are the death knells of militaries.

FTA:

The USS Gerald R. Ford is the most advanced aircraft carrier in the world—and has ample countermeasures to thwart any conceivable threat Venezuela’s mid-tier military could pose.

Venezuela may come up with an inconceivable way...but I doubt it.

[DB]

FTA:

Venezuela may come up with an inconceivable way...but I doubt it.

China would love an opportunity to test their anti-carrier weapons without being the one pulling the trigger...

[rustynail]

Unless it trips on a reef and falls over.

[bigheadfred]

Unless it trips on a reef and falls over.

Reefer madness?

[PeteS in CA]

Venezuela's air force currently has 21 Su-30s and may possibly have 3 1980s vintage F-16As still in service. It 16 helicopters are a mix of transport and utility (cargo & transport) types, plus another 12 or 13 trainers. The Su-30 is a fairly modern multi-role fighter.

USS Gerald R. Ford's air group, plus or minus a few helicopters from the accompanying DDGs, is larger than Venezuela's air force, and probably more capable. I think her pilots, crew, and task group know to respect a much less capable opponent.