Recently, a U.S. spy plane and surveillance drone executed intelligence flights off Cuba's northern coast, a move analysts believe is part of a coordinated aerial operation for strategic monitoring in the Caribbean.
On Wednesday, February 4, a U.S. Air Force RC-135V/W Rivet Joint aircraft flew parallel to Cuba's northern shore, from east to west, without entering Cuban airspace. Visible on FlightRadar24, its path began around 6:33 p.m., maintaining a course over international waters.
Two days later, on February 6, a U.S. Navy MQ-4C Triton drone, identified as BLKCAT5, was tracked north of the Cuban archipelago, expanding the reach of these surveillance activities.
U.S. Platforms: Spy Plane and Drone Utilization
The RC-135 Rivet Joint is a primary U.S. signals intelligence (SIGINT) platform, engineered to intercept, analyze, and geolocate electromagnetic emissions, including communications and radar systems, in nearly real-time. During this mission, the aircraft operated at an altitude of approximately 31,500 feet.
The MQ-4C Triton drone, an unmanned version of the Global Hawk adapted for maritime missions, offers persistent surveillance capabilities for over 24 hours, flying at altitudes above 15,000 meters. Its deployment allows for continuous data collection without risking human crews.
Additionally, on February 4, two P-8 Poseidon aircraft, specialized in maritime surveillance and anti-submarine warfare, conducted flights—one west of Cuba in the morning and another east in the afternoon—reinforcing the notion of a coordinated mission.
Recent Aerial Surveillance Patterns in the Caribbean
Military air traffic observers indicate these operations are part of ISR/ELINT (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance) missions linked to Operation Southern Spear, aimed at monitoring transnational threats in the region.
The mix of manned intelligence planes and long-range drones reflects Washington's sustained interest in maintaining constant oversight of maritime routes, military infrastructure, and communication networks around Cuba, amidst a regional climate of rising tensions and security concerns.
The U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) notes that its military forces maintain aerial and naval deployments in the Caribbean as part of Operation Southern Spear, a campaign designed to support U.S. homeland security and protection missions.
Understanding U.S. Surveillance Operations Near Cuba
Why did U.S. military aircraft conduct flights near Cuba?
The flights are part of a coordinated intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance mission aimed at monitoring transnational threats and maintaining oversight of critical maritime routes and military infrastructure in the Caribbean.
What is the purpose of Operation Southern Spear?
Operation Southern Spear is a U.S. Southern Command initiative focused on supporting security and protection missions in the Caribbean, addressing regional tensions and safeguarding U.S. interests.