Journalist Mario J. Pentón has unveiled never-before-seen images of the Cuban regime's deteriorating defense aircraft amid heightened pressure from Washington to instigate governmental change on the island.
Luis Domínguez, a military exile and member of the Cuban Historical Resistance Front (FRHC), informed the reporter that the last substantial delivery of modern weaponry to Cuba occurred in the 1990s. This was a time when Russia still maintained logistic relations with Havana after the Soviet Union's collapse.
"Since the 1990s, Cuba hasn't procured any state-of-the-art military equipment. What they show off in parades or defense drills is refurbished Soviet gear, often dysfunctional," remarked Domínguez, who served as a Cuban military intelligence officer before seeking asylum in the United States.
His statements align with findings from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), which indicate that Cuba has not purchased foreign armaments since 1991. The country's arsenal relies on old Soviet shipments from the 1970s and 1980s, including AKM rifles, T-55 and T-62 tanks, BM-21 rocket launchers, MiG-21 and MiG-23 fighters, most of which lack maintenance and official spare parts.
This information emerges as the regime in Havana showcases its worn-out military arsenal amid escalating U.S. pressure following the capture of Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela. The exclusive images shared by Pentón highlight the decay and neglect of combat aircraft on the island, while others shared by official Castro accounts depict young soldiers training with rusty weapons, lacking helmets and protection, in dire conditions.
Under the leadership of President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the United States has tightened the political and economic noose around the Cuban regime, urging allies like Mexico and Venezuela to halt any energy or military support to Havana.
According to the Global Firepower 2026 index, Cuba ranks 117th out of 145 countries in global military capacity, trailing behind nations like Haiti and Paraguay. Its air force barely retains a dozen MiG fighters in operational condition, and its naval fleet is limited to coastal patrol boats and small vessels without offensive capabilities.
Cuba's Military Arsenal and Global Standing
What is the current state of Cuba's military equipment?
Cuba's military equipment is largely outdated, relying on Soviet-era gear from the 1970s and 1980s. Most of it is in poor condition, lacking proper maintenance and official spare parts.
How has the U.S. responded to Cuba's military situation?
The United States, under the administration of President Donald Trump, has increased political and economic pressure on Cuba, urging allies to cease energy and military support to the regime.
Where does Cuba rank in terms of global military power?
According to the Global Firepower 2026 index, Cuba ranks 117th out of 145 countries, placing it below nations like Haiti and Paraguay in terms of military capabilities.