On Saturday, Cuba's Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces once again showcased military exercises as part of National Defense Day. This display is another attempt to project military strength and ideological unity while the Cuban population grapples with power outages, shortages, and a rapidly declining quality of life.
The Western, Central, and Eastern Armies shared multiple videos on their respective Facebook pages, highlighting military drills in preparation for National Defense Day and the so-called Year of Defense Readiness 2026.
The footage features live fire from trenches, movement of Mobile Combat Groups, rocket launches, controlled explosions, and drone operations at training grounds. The presentation is set to epic music, with close-up shots of AK-47 rifles and Cuban flags in a distinctly promotional style.
According to the official narrative, these drills aim to boost the nation’s combat readiness against an alleged "external threat," referencing intensified tensions with the United States following the U.S. military's capture of Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro on January 3.
The authorities emphasize the doctrine of "war of the entire people," stressing the need to involve civilians, militias, and reservists in national defense. This military display coincides with the government's announcement that Saturdays will be systematically dedicated to the military, political, and ideological training of the populace.
However, officials have yet to clarify how this will affect work, education, and community life, or what level of citizen participation will be required. Far from reaching a consensus, the military exhibition has sparked a wave of critical reactions on social media.
Numerous users criticized the outdated state of the weaponry, describing the exercises as more of a spectacle meant to intimidate citizens than a genuine preparation for war. Comments like "completely outdated systems," "drills to frighten the people," and "a mockery compared to modern military technology" reflect widespread skepticism.
Other users explicitly separated the concept of the homeland from the government, questioning the real reasons to "defend" a regime that fails to provide basic living conditions. The stark contrast between the military rhetoric and daily realities is increasingly apparent. While the Ministry speaks of invulnerability, sacrifice, and socialist defense, Cuba is experiencing one of its worst crises in recent history, with rampant inflation, prolonged blackouts, shortages, unprecedented mass migration, and the suppression of any dissent.
Analysts and users agree that the militaristic focus is less about an imminent threat and more about an internal political need to maintain control, emotionally engage the public, and distract from an economic and social collapse the regime itself cannot contain.
Thus, amid Cold War-era rifles, drones displayed as trophies, and epic background music, the regime once again relies on military theatrics as a substitute for real solutions to the country’s ongoing crisis.
Understanding Cuba's Military Drills and Political Climate
What is the purpose of Cuba's National Defense Day?
Cuba's National Defense Day is intended to demonstrate military strength and ideological unity, although it is seen by many as a strategy to distract from the country's severe economic and social issues.
How has the public reacted to the military exercises in Cuba?
The public response has been largely critical, with many questioning the outdated nature of the military equipment and seeing the exercises as a means to intimidate rather than genuinely prepare for conflict.