Exclusive: U.S. eyes attack-drone threat from Cuba
By Marc Caputo
What happened
Cuba has acquired more than 300 military drones from Russia and Iran since 2023, with varying capabilities, and has positioned them strategically across the island. Cuban officials have recently discussed plans to use these drones to attack Guantanamo Bay, U.S. military vessels, and possibly Key West, Florida, according to classified U.S. intelligence. Within the past month, Cuban officials sought additional drones and military equipment from Russia.
CIA Director John Ratcliffe traveled to Cuba on Thursday and warned officials against engaging in hostilities. The Department of Justice plans to unseal an indictment on Wednesday against Raúl Castro for allegedly ordering the 1996 downing of two planes flown by Brothers to the Rescue. Additional sanctions against Cuba could be announced this week.
U.S. officials estimate approximately 5,000 Cuban soldiers have fought for Russia in Ukraine, with some informing Cuban military leaders about drone warfare effectiveness. Russia has paid Cuba's government approximately $25,000 per deployed soldier. U.S. officials do not believe Cuba poses an imminent threat or is actively planning attacks, but rather discussing contingency drone warfare plans in case hostilities escalate.
Who's perspective
This article is written by a political reporter with exclusive access to classified intelligence shared by senior U.S. officials, which means the story is built almost entirely around the U.S. government's framing of the threat. That access shapes what gets emphasized — the drone acquisition, Iranian advisers, and potential attack plans — while Cuban or independent assessments of the same intelligence are absent.
Taken for granted
The article treats U.S. officials' characterization of Cuba's intentions as the baseline reality, taking for granted that discussing drone warfare plans is meaningfully equivalent to planning an attack. It leaves out the question of whether Cuba's military discussions might be defensive contingency planning rather than offensive preparation — a distinction the article does not address.
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