Reported U.S. Intelligence Notes Threat From Cuba’s Russian and Iranian Drone Stockpile

Latest Developments

• Cuba Reportedly Acquired 300 Drones, Is Eyeing U.S. Targets: Cuba has reportedly procured some 300 military drones and discussed using them against possible U.S. targets, including locations in Key West, Florida; U.S. naval vessels; and the U.S.-controlled Guantanamo Bay Naval Base. Citing U.S. officials and intelligence, an exclusive report by Axios claimed that Cuba has stockpiled drones of “varying capabilities,” largely sourced from Russia and Iran since 2023. Havana has recently sought even more drones and military hardware from Moscow, according to the same report.
• Report Follows CIA Director’s Visit: The Axios report surfaced after Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director John Ratcliffe traveled to Cuba on May 14. Ratcliffe met with Cuban Interior Minister Lazaro Alvarez Casas; an unnamed head of Cuba’s intelligence services; and Raul Rodriguez Castro, the grandson of former Cuban President Raul Castro. The United States is reportedly seeking to indict the 94-year-old former president over Cuba’s downing of two humanitarian aircraft in 1996. CIA officials said that Ratcliffe offered the Cuban delegation “a genuine opportunity for collaboration” while stressing the opportunity would not remain available indefinitely.
• Havana Accuses U.S. of Building ‘Fraudulent Case’ for Military Action: Following the publication of the Axios report, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez accused Washington of building a “fraudulent case to justify the ruthless economic war against the Cuban people and the eventual military aggression.” 

FDD Expert Response

“Cuba can’t feed its people or keep electricity running, yet it’s building a drone arsenal with Moscow and Tehran pointed at Florida and Guantanamo. This is what decades of communist misrule and allying with America’s adversaries produces. President Trump should put Havana on notice — unambiguously and immediately.” — Clifford D. May, Founder and President

“The Department of Defense’s failed efforts to develop low-cost air defense systems, especially counter-drone systems, put U.S. forces at risk globally and in the homeland. The threat from Cuba suggests President Trump was wrong to reject Ukrainian President Zelenskyy’s offer to cooperate in countering drone warfare, and the United States would be well advised to ask for and take that assistance today.” — RADM (Ret.) Mark Montgomery, Senior Fellow and Senior Director of FDD’s Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation

“This is the unfortunate consequence of having an anti-American, communist regime aligned with China, Russia, and Iran only 90 miles from the homeland. The Cuban regime remains a significant national security threat to the United States, and this report underscores why political and economic change are necessary on the island. As the Trump administration continues talks with the regime, eliminating these reported capabilities and adversary intelligence facilities on the island must be a top priority.” — Connor Pfeiffer, Senior Director of Government Relations

FDD Background and Analysis

“Trump Must Hold The Line On The Cuba Oil Embargo,” by Peter Doran

“A Gameplan for American Economic Security,” by Elaine K. Dezenski and Josh Birenbaum

“Iran, Cuba Presidents meet to discuss deepening ties,” by Seth J. Frantzman