This past Monday, the Cuban regime reignited its militaristic rhetoric by launching the so-called Year of Defense Preparation 2026 within the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR). This initiative aims to "strengthen military invulnerability" and enhance the "combat use" of its troops.
The National Television News broadcast showcased tanks, weapons, and troop formations, evoking memories of military propaganda displays from past decades.
This martial rhetoric emerges against a backdrop of heightened U.S. military presence in the Caribbean, following a recent operation leading to the capture of Nicolás Maduro and the supervision of Venezuela's transitional process by President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
As Washington tightens its influence in the region, Miguel Díaz-Canel's government attempts to project internal unity and strength through messages reminiscent of Cold War language.
However, the national reality starkly contrasts with this narrative. Cuban soldiers appear thin, frail, with outdated weaponry, and their military drills resemble children's gymnastics routines. This has sparked a wave of criticism across social media.
The main event took place at the Gloria Combativa Rescate de Sanguily tank unit, Order Antonio Maceo, led by Brigadier General Roberto Navarro Cabrejas, who reaffirmed the army's commitment to "fight any enemy aggression alongside the people."
The FAR's announced program includes "the modernization of techniques and armament" along with "strengthening political and ideological work" within military units.
The program also emphasizes "food production" and "attention to the individual," phrases commonly used in Cuban military rhetoric to bolster its image as a self-sufficient institution.
This new "year of defense preparation" seems more like a symbolic need to reaffirm military power than a genuine national defense strategy.
At a time when Cuba is experiencing its greatest political fragility in decades, the regime once again turns to the rhetoric of an external enemy to justify its grip on power.
Exploring Cuba's Military Rhetoric and Regional Dynamics
What is the Year of Defense Preparation 2026 in Cuba?
The Year of Defense Preparation 2026 is a program launched by the Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces aimed at strengthening military invulnerability and enhancing the combat use of its troops.
How is the United States influencing the Caribbean region currently?
The United States has increased its military presence in the Caribbean, notably through a recent operation that resulted in the capture of Nicolás Maduro and the oversight of Venezuela's transition by President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
What criticisms has the Cuban military faced recently?
The Cuban military has faced criticism for its soldiers' frail appearance, outdated weaponry, and military drills that resemble child-like gymnastics, leading to strong social media backlash.