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Lockheed Martin CEO Confirms RQ-170 Drone in Venezuela Operation

1/30/2026

Summary

Story summary

James Taiclet, CEO of Lockheed Martin, confirmed that the RQ-170 Sentinel was used in Operation Absolute Resolve against Nicolás Maduro, the Venezuelan president.
The operation involved 150 aircraft from about 20 bases, including F-35 and F-22 jets.
The disclosure marks an acknowledgment; the last one was more than five years ago.
Experts say the drone’s capabilities should remain secret, as the U.S. military has not fully disclosed its intelligence functions.

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Story summary

James Taiclet, CEO of Lockheed Martin, confirmed that the RQ-170 Sentinel was used in Operation Absolute Resolve against Nicolás Maduro, the Venezuelan president.
The operation involved 150 aircraft from about 20 bases, including F-35 and F-22 jets.
The disclosure marks an acknowledgment; the last one was more than five years ago.
Experts say the drone’s capabilities should remain secret, as the U.S. military has not fully disclosed its intelligence functions.