On December 18, 2025, the US Air Force deployed an E-3C Sentry AWACS near Venezuela, enhancing its surveillance capabilities amid rising tensions in the region. This move is part of Operation Southern Spear, which has evolved from counter-narcotics efforts to direct actions against the Maduro regime, culminating in lethal strikes that have resulted in around 100 fatalities since September. The deployment not only signifies increased military presence in the Caribbean but also raises concerns about regional instability and potential disruptions to global energy markets crucial for India’s oil imports. For India, this situation underscores the importance of advanced airborne early warning systems in countering air threats, especially amidst ongoing tensions in the Indo-Pacific region.