The pressure from the Trump administration on Cuba is intensifying, especially concerning the island’s intelligence capabilities. Analysts are worried that these developments could enable China and Russia to closely monitor U.S. military activities situated near Florida.
Recent reports and satellite imagery of Cuba’s key signals intelligence facility near Havana have raised alarms about the foreign surveillance options that exist close to significant military operations like those at Key West, Homestead Air Force Base, and Cape Canaveral launches.
The renewed scrutiny on Cuba’s role in foreign intelligence gathering comes amid U.S. assertions that both Chinese and Russian capabilities have expanded significantly on the island in recent years. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has openly acknowledged the presence of Russian and Chinese intelligence agents positioned near Florida, while Florida Senator Rick Scott has called the facility a “significant threat” to military operations in the region.
“They’re just 90 miles off our shores. They’re aligned with our adversaries,” he pointed out. “This poses a huge threat.” He emphasized the potential risk to U.S. forces.
While U.S. military communications are typically encrypted and challenging to intercept, analysts suggest that the Bejucal facility could still help adversaries track U.S. military operations by monitoring electronic signatures and communication patterns. “We might not decode every message, but we’ll know when systems are interacting,” noted Matthew Funaioglu from CSIS. “Over time, that provides insights into operational patterns.”
Funaioglu indicated that the facility would likely assist in mapping military activities and identifying electronic signals rather than capturing sensitive communications directly. He explained, “This helps us pinpoint the locations of assets and detect any unusual movements.”
The shift in focus on Cuba arrives alongside the Trump administration’s tightening grip on Havana, which includes expanded sanctions and stringent criticisms of Chinese and Russian activities in proximity to the U.S. mainland. Scott specifically highlighted military operations at facilities like Naval Air Station Key West and Homestead Air Reserve Base as critical points of concern.
A May 2025 analysis from the Center for Strategic and International Studies revealed new developments at the Bejucal signals intelligence facility, including the construction of a large circular antenna array aimed at enhancing its monitoring capabilities of air and sea activities.
This facility has visibly evolved, with CSIS noting the construction of this new antenna array, replacing an older one. The way these arrays function allows operators to identify radio signals from great distances, raising the possibility of tracking communications from hundreds or thousands of miles away.
Funaioglu highlighted that while this technology is old, dating back to the Cold War era when the Soviet Union utilized extensive intelligence operations in Cuba, China still sees its value. CSIS had previously identified Chinese-built antenna arrays at military sites in the South China Sea.
There have long been suggestions of Chinese involvement in Cuba’s intelligence operations. However, concrete evidence tying China directly to these facilities remains elusive. Rubio has stated that Cuba harbors both Russian and Chinese intelligence forces nearby, and the Biden administration recognized in 2023 that China’s intelligence activities related to Cuba continue to pose a significant issue.
“I’m not going to delve into specific military or national security threats concerning the United States,” Rubio shared with reporters. “However, it’s clear that Cuba has maintained arms from Russia and China for years, alongside intelligence personnel.” He reiterated, “Cuba’s been a national security issue for the United States.”
The White House acknowledged Rubio’s statements but did not provide additional commentary. Similarly, the Pentagon, Cuban, and Chinese embassies have not responded to requests for information. Despite ongoing allegations, both Chinese and Cuban officials have denied any involvement with surveillance operations on the island.
Funaioglu also cautioned against overestimating the implications of expanding infrastructure, pointing out that a larger facility doesn’t necessarily mean a correspondingly high number of foreign operatives are stationed there. “Certainly, more capabilities will require support, but you can still benefit from such facilities without being physically present,” he noted.
Cuba has historically served as a strategic site for intelligence collection against the United States. Its geographical advantages that once attracted Soviet intelligence operations still hold value today, according to analysts. “Being close by is crucial if you’re monitoring the United States,” Funaioglu explained.
This proximity positions Cuba’s intelligence capabilities near sensitive U.S. military and aerospace operations, raising the stakes. Funaioglu suggested that the Bejucal facility could be particularly effective in identifying shifts in military activity over time. “If something unusual occurs—more activity or unexpected communications—it could signal important changes,” he said.
That said, analysts warn against drawing definitive conclusions about the capabilities of the Cuban facility or assuming that China exerts direct control over it. A May 2025 CSIS report stated that while there are indicators of Chinese access to the island’s information networks, no conclusive evidence directly links the facility to China.
Experts express that the significance of places like Bejucal may not lie in intercepting encrypted communications directly, but rather in analyzing how U.S. military systems function, identifying electronic signatures, and monitoring operational trends. This rising concern might amplify demands from some factions in Cuba for a more aggressive U.S. approach toward Havana, signaling a growing hub for Chinese and Russian influence near American shores.
Scott emphasized that the former Cuban leader Castro should either escape the island or be prosecuted for his role in the ongoing situation.
