India, Jan. 5 -- The United States' surprise military operation on January 3, which led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, stunned the international community.

Beyond its political ramifications, the operation delivered a devastating assessment of Venezuela's air defence network, built over decades using Russian and Chinese military technology.

Despite billions of dollars invested in advanced radars, surface-to-air missile systems and fighter aircraft, Venezuelan forces failed to detect, track or intercept incoming US aircraft.

The episode has since raised serious questions about the real-world effectiveness of Russian and Chinese air defence systems when confronted by modern American air power.

Venezu...