As the Cuban regime once again calls upon its citizens for "military preparation" exercises using outdated rifles and staging reminiscent of the Cold War era, the United States is moving in the opposite direction with rapid modernization of its military forces. This progress is driven by multi-billion dollar investments and an expanding defense industry, highlighted by the significant achievement of capturing Nicolás Maduro in Caracas.
Over the weekend, the Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces kicked off another edition of what they term National Defense Day, a series of exercises and propaganda activities meant to convince the populace that they are ready to fend off any "aggression."
State media and official accounts have circulated images showing a display of rusty rifles, old gas masks, dusty machine guns, and civilians posing with weaponry more suited for a military museum than a force ready to face modern threats.
Accompanying these scenes are slogans such as "our defense is unshakeable," "we know no fear," and "the trench is in every neighborhood," echoing rhetoric from a bygone century, repeated monotonously.
Meanwhile, the country grapples with prolonged power outages, medicine shortages, and an economic crisis with no relief in sight. To many Cubans, these exercises are nothing more than a charade that drains time and resources without providing real solutions to everyday challenges.
The Stark Contrast with U.S. Military Advancements
The disparity becomes glaring when looking to the north of the Caribbean. Following the U.S. military operation that led to Nicolás Maduro's capture, President Donald Trump emphasized the superiority of the American military, announcing an increase in the defense budget from $1 trillion to $1.5 trillion by 2027. He cited "real threats" that require a high-level technological and strategic response.
Concurrently, the Department of War launched "Arsenal of Freedom 2026," a nationwide tour showcasing the industrial and technological prowess of the American military complex. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth stressed the importance of equipping fighters with U.S.-made gear, produced massively and with unmatched speed and lethality.
"Today we begin the 'Arsenal of Freedom' tour for 2026, which will last a month. American manufacturing. Made in the USA. Unmatched speed, scale, and lethality for the American fighter," Hegseth declared on X.
He continued, "Across the country, we are moving with urgency to ensure our fighters have the equipment they need to win: fully committed, in full production, and proudly made in America."
U.S. Military Modernization: A Strategic Leap Forward
As part of this modernization push, Hegseth visited key shipyards and industrial centers, including Newport News Shipbuilding, the sole designer and builder of aircraft carriers in the U.S. and a supplier of submarines for the Navy. Currently, over 40 ships are under construction or modernization, along with projects like the John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) aircraft carrier, touted as the world's most lethal, and submarines of the Columbia and Virginia classes.
These investments and deployments not only bolster Washington's military supremacy but also come at a particularly sensitive time for Havana. The Cuban regime, which has upheld an authoritarian system for over six decades, restricting freedoms and keeping its population under constant pressure, is now facing a more fragile situation than ever: losing external support, grappling with an energy crisis, and feeling the direct impact of the Caracas operation where at least 32 Cuban soldiers died defending the Venezuelan dictator.
Within this context, events like National Defense Day seem more like an attempt to reaffirm political control internally rather than genuine preparation for an increasingly complex geopolitical environment. While the U.S. strengthens its capabilities in air defense, cybersecurity, hypersonic weapons, and artificial intelligence, showcasing new aircraft carriers and submarines, Cuba remains with its aging, frail, and weary militiamen, armed with berets and obsolete rifles.
This scenario underscores a paradox: on the island, citizens are rallied to "defend the homeland" with outdated weapons and recycled speeches, while across the Florida Strait, billions are being invested in cutting-edge military technology.
These two models, representing different historical timelines, highlight the widening gap between the regime's propaganda and its actual military capabilities, at a time when its stability hinges more than ever on external factors beyond its control.
Understanding the Military Disparity between Cuba and the U.S.
What is National Defense Day in Cuba?
National Defense Day in Cuba is an event organized by the Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces, involving military exercises and propaganda activities intended to demonstrate preparedness against potential aggressions.
How is the U.S. modernizing its military?
The U.S. is modernizing its military through increased defense budgets and initiatives like the "Arsenal of Freedom 2026" tour, which showcases advancements in manufacturing, speed, and lethality of military equipment.
Why is the disparity between Cuba and the U.S. military capabilities significant?
The disparity highlights the stark contrast between Cuba's outdated military practices and the U.S.'s advanced technological capabilities, reflecting broader differences in economic and political power.