The Cuban Western Army recently uploaded a video on its official Facebook page showcasing their "combat readiness." However, it quickly became a target for widespread ridicule as it depicted soldiers using Soviet T-54/T-55 tanks, World War II-era anti-aircraft guns, and makeshift camouflage nets, all under the slogan "The Homeland is Defended."
Shared with hashtags like #FARCuba and #LaPatriaSeDefiende, the video attracted numerous comments, mostly mocking or openly criticizing the regime. The official post claimed that "the units of the Western Army remain committed to defending the Homeland, conducting intensive training to enhance discipline, cohesion, and response capability."
The public's reaction was overwhelmingly derisive. "This is how war was fought when my grandfather was a child. Keep playing house while the world uses Nintendo Switch, Meta Quest, and PlayStation," one user commented. Another remarked, "It looks like World War I," while a third added, "Isn't modern warfare about drones?"
Public Reaction and Criticism
The video also highlighted the physical condition of the recruits. "Skinny, malnourished, their uniforms hang off them like coat racks. They can't even walk 10K straight," noted another comment. Several users linked the military spending to the country's ongoing crisis: "It's a shame they waste so much money on this while the people starve."
This video is part of the "Year of Defense Preparedness 2026," declared by the regime on January 12 as a direct response to the capture of Nicolás Maduro by the U.S. Delta Force on January 3. Since then, the Revolutionary Armed Forces have intensified weekly exercises every Saturday, designated as National Defense Day.
Regime's Continued Military Propaganda
Miguel Díaz-Canel personally oversaw military maneuvers in San José de Las Lajas, a key access point to Havana, and in January, he witnessed exercises with the Great Tank Unit "Rescue of Sanguily." On that occasion, he stated that "the best way to prevent aggression is to make imperialism calculate the cost of attacking our country."
This isn't the first time the regime's military propaganda has backfired. In January, military exercises featuring old motorcycles sparked a similar wave of mockery, and in March, the so-called "Student Bastion," where students trained with AK-47 rifles and anti-tank mines, also drew identical reactions.
Outdated Equipment and Its Implications
The obsolescence of the equipment is evident: the Revolutionary Armed Forces mainly operate T-55 tanks, originally introduced to Soviet service in 1958, face significant limitations in their combat aviation, and their standard light weapon is the Soviet AKMS rifle, a 1950s design. "At least use AI, stop showing videos from the '80s; how pathetic," summarized one user, while another warned young recruits: "Young people in Mandatory Service, shield of the dictatorship."
On May 7, a viral video comparing Cuban soldiers to the Delta Force sparked another round of sarcasm, suggesting that the regime's propaganda campaign will continue to provoke the opposite effect intended.
Key Questions About Cuba's Military Preparedness
What equipment is the Cuban military currently using?
The Cuban military primarily uses T-55 tanks, which were introduced in 1958, and its standard light weapon is the Soviet AKMS rifle from the 1950s.
How has the public reacted to the Cuban military's training videos?
The public has largely mocked the videos, with comments pointing out the outdated equipment and criticizing the regime's spending priorities amid the country's crisis.
Why did Cuba declare 2026 as the "Year of Defense Preparedness"?
The declaration was made by the regime as a response to the capture of Nicolás Maduro by the U.S. Delta Force, aiming to bolster military readiness.