U.S. Probes Military Drone Threat from Cuba Targeting Guantánamo and Florida

The United States is currently investigating a potential threat from military drones that may be launched from Cuba targeting the Guantánamo Naval Base, U.S. military vessels, and possibly Key West, Florida, situated just 90 miles from Havana.

According to classified intelligence shared with Axios, the Cuban government has acquired over 300 military attack drones from Russia and Iran since 2023. Discussions among military officials of the Cuban regime have begun regarding plans to deploy these drones against such strategic targets.

The drones, which vary in capability, have reportedly been stored at strategic locations throughout the island, as per U.S. officials.

Growing Concerns Over Cuban Military Acquisitions

In recent months, the Cuban regime has requested additional drones and military equipment from Russia, based on intelligence intercepts. These intercepts also suggest that Cuban intelligence is attempting to learn how Iran has withstood the pressure from the Trump administration in recent months.

"The proximity of such technologies, along with a range of hostile actors—from terrorist groups to drug cartels, Iranians, and Russians—is concerning," a senior U.S. official stated. "It's an escalating threat," they admitted.

CIA's Direct Warning to Cuban Leaders

This revelation comes shortly after CIA Director John Ratcliffe traveled to Cuba last Thursday, where he directly warned regime leaders against any hostile actions and demanded the dismantling of their totalitarian system as a condition for lifting sanctions.

A CIA official remarked that "Director Ratcliffe made it clear that Cuba cannot continue to be a platform for adversaries to advance hostile agendas in our hemisphere," and emphasized that "the Western Hemisphere cannot be the playground for our adversaries."

Cuban Threat to U.S. National Security

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth also confirmed before Congress last Tuesday that Cuba poses a threat to U.S. national security. "We have long been concerned about a foreign adversary using that location so close to our shores, which is very problematic," Hegseth stated during a legislative hearing.

U.S. officials estimate that up to 5,000 Cuban soldiers have fought for Russia in Ukraine, with Moscow paying the regime approximately $25,000 for each deployed soldier. Some of these combatants are believed to have passed on drone warfare knowledge to military commands in Havana.

"They're part of Putin's meat grinder. They're learning Iranian tactics. It's something we need to prepare for," the senior official noted.

International Espionage Operations in Cuba

Additionally, Russia and China maintain high-tech espionage facilities in Cuba to gather signal intelligence, U.S. officials confirmed. The presence of Iranian military advisers in Havana exacerbates the situation further.

Despite the severity of these revelations, U.S. officials clarify that Cuba is not considered an imminent threat, nor do they believe it is actively planning to attack U.S. interests. Intelligence suggests that Cuban military discussions are more about contingency planning in case of a deterioration in relations.

"No one is worried about Cuban fighter jets. It's not even clear they have one that can fly," the senior official acknowledged. "But it's worth noting how close they are: 90 miles. It's not a reality we're comfortable with."

Upcoming Legal and Diplomatic Actions

In light of these tensions, the Department of Justice plans to announce formal charges next Wednesday against Raúl Castro for ordering the downing of two Brothers to the Rescue planes on February 24, 1996, which resulted in four deaths. The event is set to take place at the Freedom Tower in Miami, and new sanctions against the island may be announced that same week.

"The Western Hemisphere cannot be the playground for our adversaries," concluded the CIA official cited by Axios.