Venezuela is believed to have introduced Iranian-built Peykaap III fast attack boats into its fleet, sparking debate among defense analysts. A video posted online shows several of the craft maneuvering at high speed in Venezuelan waters. Although not yet verified, the claim has strategic implications. The Peykaap III is compact (17 meters) but fast and versatile, capable of exceeding 50 knots and carrying weapons such as heavy machine guns and CM-90 anti-ship missiles with ranges up to 90 kilometers. Designed for swarm assaults and rapid engagements, the boats give Venezuela the ability to harass or overwhelm larger ships in littoral zones. Analysts note that their addition offers Caracas an asymmetric capability that could complicate naval operations in the southern Caribbean despite Venezuela’s limited conventional naval strength.
