Cuba has purchased attack drones from Russia and Iran and may be able to counter the U.S. – Axios
18 May 02:14
According to U.S. intelligence data reviewed by Axios, Cuba has acquired more than 300 military drones and has recently begun discussing plans to attack the U.S. base at Guantanamo, U.S. ships, and possibly the city of Key West, where the Naval Air Station Key West is located, reports "Komersant Ukrainian".
A senior U.S. official told the publication that this information could serve as a pretext for U.S. military action against Cuba.
“When such technologies are so close at hand, and the range of adversaries—from terrorists to drug cartels, from Iranians to Russians—is so broad, it is cause for concern. This is a growing threat,” he explained.
CIA Director John Ratcliffe visited Cuba last week. According to a CIA spokesperson, Ratcliffe directly warned local authorities against hostile actions and called for the removal of the totalitarian government to end U.S. sanctions.
“Director Ratcliffe made it clear that Cuba can no longer serve as a platform for adversaries promoting hostile interests in our hemisphere,” the CIA spokesperson stated.
According to U.S. intelligence, since 2023, Cuba has been purchasing attack drones from Russia and Iran and deploying them at strategic locations across the island. The senior official told the publication that over the past month, Cuban authorities have requested additional drones and military equipment from Russia and are also “trying to learn how Iran is resisting the U.S.”
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In addition, according to Washington’s estimates, up to 5,000 Cuban soldiers have fought on Russia’s side in Ukraine, with some briefing Cuban leadership on the effectiveness of drone warfare. Russia reportedly paid Cuba about $25,000 for each soldier.
“They are part of Putin’s meat grinder; they are studying Iranian tactics, and we must prepare for this,” the senior official stated.
U.S. officials do not view Cuba as a direct threat, but intelligence indicates that the island’s military leadership is discussing options for deploying drones in the event of deteriorating relations with the U.S.
“No one is worried about fighter jets from Cuba. It’s not even clear if they have a single one capable of flying,” the senior official said. “But it’s worth noting how close they are—90 miles. That’s not a reality we’re comfortable with.”
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