Cuba Buys More Than 300 Russian and Iranian Drones, Triggering US Alarm

Cuba has acquired more than 300 military drones from Russia and Iran and has discussed potential scenarios involving their use against US targets.

According to Axios on May 17, US intelligence believes potential targets discussed by Cuban military officials included the US naval base at Guantanamo Bay, American military vessels operating in the region, and possibly Key West, Florida.

The report comes amid growing concern in Washington over the global spread of drone warfare technologies and the expanding military cooperation between Russia, Iran, and US adversaries.

According to Axios, US officials said the Cuban government has been purchasing strike drones with “various capabilities” from Russia and Iran since 2023 and deploying them at strategic locations across the island.

US officials quoted by Axios said Cuban representatives recently approached Russia seeking additional drones and military equipment. Intercepted intelligence reviewed by US agencies reportedly suggested that Cuban intelligence services were also studying Iran’s methods of countering US military pressure.

The issue became serious enough for CIA Director John Ratcliffe to reportedly travel to Cuba and warn Cuban officials against any military actions targeting the United States. The outlet also reported that Ratcliffe urged Havana to reconsider its current political system in exchange for possible sanctions relief.

American officials cited by Axios said Washington does not currently view Cuba as an immediate military threat and sees no indications of preparations for imminent attacks. However, intelligence assessments reportedly indicated that Cuban military officials had discussed the possible use of drones in the event of further deterioration in US-Cuba relations or a future military confrontation.

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“No one is worried about fighter jets from Cuba. It’s not even clear whether they have any that can fly. But it is worth pointing out how close they are—145 kilometers. That’s not a reality we are comfortable with,” one senior US official told Axios.

According to Axios, US officials also said Cuba lacks the capability to disrupt maritime traffic in the Florida Strait in the same way Iran threatens shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Officials further noted that the current situation is not considered comparable to the level of danger seen during the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis.

Earlier, Cuba announced plans to allow Russian companies to manage industrial production facilities on the island as Havana struggles with a deepening energy crisis and recurring power outages. Russian officials said the discussions also included telecommunications projects and the possible resumption of Russian car assembly in Cuba once the country’s energy situation stabilizes.

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