U.S. Intelligence Report Assesses Cuban Drone Acquisitions

U.S. intelligence assessment states that Cuba has acquired more than 300 military-grade drones from Russia and Iran since 2023. U.S. naval vessels, or Key West, Florida, as contingency plans in the event of open conflict. U.S. officials said they do not view Cuba as an imminent threat.

U.S. official told Axios that Cuba's operational capabilities remain unproven, noting that no one is worried about fighter jets from Cuba.

The hardware is reportedly stored at multiple sites across the island. U.S. officials estimate that up to 5,000 Cuban mercenaries have fought for Russia in Ukraine, providing Havana with firsthand tactical knowledge of modern drone warfare. The disclosure comes after the Trump administration expanded sanctions on the Cuban government.

U.S. could take over Cuba almost immediately once active American military operations in Iran wind down.

Director John Ratcliffe visited Havana on Thursday. U.S. is ready to engage on security and economic issues if Cuba makes fundamental changes. U.S. wrote on X that Cuba has the right to defend itself against external aggression under international law. The Pentagon said it had nothing to provide when contacted for comment on Sunday. Newsweek has not independently verified the Axios reporting.