Cuba might have acquired more than 300 small, portable suicide drones, raising concerns of a new threat globally.
The specifics about the types of drones being used in Cuba are still unclear, but similar technology has been utilized in various conflicts worldwide, stretching from the Middle East to Ukraine. A confidential intelligence report pointed out that these drones could be part of the global arms network.
Initially developed by Iran, the Shahid drone saw modifications by Russia and China, who renamed their versions Gueran-2 and Feilong-300D to make production more affordable.
These drones present a fresh challenge for military forces around the world. Typically, militaries rely on large, costly equipment for warfare, but these relatively inexpensive drones are capable of targeting such systems effectively.
There are reports of a Russian military cargo plane, an Ilyushin Il-76, landing in Cuba on February 2, a scenario reminiscent of previous military build-ups in Venezuela which preceded U.S. attacks. This raises suspicions that Russia might be assisting Cuba in preparation for potential U.S. military action. Furthermore, Secretary of the Army Pete Hegseth mentioned in a Senate hearing on May 12 that Cuban ports might be used by Russian nuclear submarines.
Given the compact nature of these drones, a plane of that size could have easily transported hundreds to Cuba. In a recent incident, Ukraine surprised Russian bombers on June 1, 2025, deploying a drone from a wooden container, which allowed for stealthier approach.
“That’s very likely.”
Some individuals are advocating for military action against Cuba, a prospect that might endanger Americans residing there.
Hegseth expressed concern during a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee meeting that Cuba is a security threat to the United States and suggested that they might have access to suicide drones from Russia, China, or Iran.
“They are allied with Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran,” noted national security expert Brandon Weichert, highlighting that Cuba could have gained access to those countries’ weapons systems.
Iran’s drones, the Shahed-131 and Shahed-136, reportedly have ranges of about 560 miles and 1,550 miles, respectively, which could potentially reach parts of Florida or even Puerto Rico.
Hegseth, while cautious about revealing sensitive info, made it clear he does not want a foreign adversary making use of the island.
A spokesperson from SOUTHCOM stated that they are monitoring military activities, including the proliferation of drones in the region, in coordination with various federal partners to ensure readiness against aerial threats.
There has been an uptick in U.S. reconnaissance flights around Cuba recently, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been vocal about his concerns regarding the Cuban government.
“If I were in charge there, I would probably be somewhat worried,” Rubio remarked during a news briefing.
In a recent meeting with General Francis L. Donovan, current matters of U.S. security were discussed, but details about ongoing operations remain undisclosed for security reasons.
“Anti-ship ballistic missile”
Experts warn that Cuba may possess access to drones and missiles, making them a concerning proximity to Florida. “I don’t believe Cuba would risk attacking Florida directly. They would probably target U.S. warships initially,” Weichert reported, reflecting on a pattern of aggression similar to threats from Iran.
Reportedly, Chinese manufacturers can now produce these drones for as low as $10,000 each.
Weichert mentioned that air defense systems around Florida could include THAAD or the Patriot Missile Interceptor System, both costly options that can severely strain the U.S. defense budget.
The budget increases aim to address these military needs; however, manufacturing some weapons can take years, especially after recent conflicts.
According to SOUTHCOM, they are prepared to tackle threats to national security.
Weichert also emphasized that Cuba’s real danger lies in its intelligence capabilities, which, historically, have been quite sophisticated.
The case of Eva Montes, a Defense Intelligence Agency analyst who spied for Cuba for over a decade, exemplifies this threat.
Conor Pfeiffer from FDD Action remarked that the Cuban regime acts as a significant platform for adversaries aiming to jeopardize U.S. interests across the region.
A U.S. military response akin to what occurred in Caracas seems improbable, as Cuba’s leadership is viewed as being largely protected by a corrupt ruling class.
Given the ongoing naval blockade of Cuba, there are concerns about U.S. military capacities which may not be adequate for managing conflicts on two fronts. Some officials in Washington appear eager to take action against Cuba.
“I think Marco Rubio wants to see military action against Cuba,” Weichert assessed.
