The Ministry of Revolutionary Armed Forces (MINFAR) has aligned with the Cuban regime's rhetoric following revelations about the alleged purchase of over 300 military attack drones from Russia and Iran. However, like other officials, they have refrained from directly denying the information shared by U.S. officials to Axios.
In a Facebook post, MINFAR echoed the message previously shared by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carlos Fernández de Cossío, who has emerged as a key spokesperson for the regime amid rising tensions with the United States.
“Like any nation, Cuba has the right to defend itself against external aggression. This is called legitimate defense, supported by International Law and the UN Charter,” wrote Fernández de Cossío. This statement was subsequently amplified by the Cuban military institution.
Escalating Tensions with the United States
The response from MINFAR follows Axios's report based on classified U.S. intelligence, suggesting that since 2023 the regime has acquired hundreds of military drones and discussed potential uses against the Guantánamo naval base, U.S. vessels, and even Key West, Florida.
Neither MINFAR, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINREX), nor Fernández de Cossío have outright denied the existence of the drones or the alleged military plans attributed to the regime. Instead, Havana has emphasized the narrative of “legitimate defense” in the face of perceived U.S. aggression.
Communication Strategy Amid Diplomatic Strain
In his original post, Fernández de Cossío accused certain U.S. sectors of “fabricating pretexts” to justify military action against Cuba and claimed there is a campaign to “distort” the country's defensive preparations.
This message was first circulated by the Cuban Foreign Ministry and later by MINFAR, highlighting a coordinated communication strategy during one of the most significant diplomatic escalations between Washington and Havana in recent years.
Backdrop of International Concerns
The revelations come shortly after CIA Director John Ratcliffe's visit to Cuba, where he personally warned Cuban officials against any hostile actions and demanded the dismantling of the totalitarian system as a condition for easing sanctions.
U.S. officials have also expressed concerns about the military cooperation between Havana, Moscow, and Tehran, particularly following reports that thousands of Cubans have fought alongside Russia in Ukraine and have shared drone warfare knowledge with the Cuban military apparatus.
While U.S. authorities clarified that Cuba is not seen as an immediate threat, the issue has further strained political relations between the two nations. Meanwhile, within the island, millions of Cubans continue to endure power outages, shortages, and a deep economic crisis.
Understanding the Cuba Drone Controversy
What are the allegations about Cuba's purchase of drones?
It is alleged that Cuba has acquired over 300 military drones from Russia and Iran, with potential plans to use them in scenarios against U.S. interests.
How has the Cuban government responded to these allegations?
The Cuban government has not directly denied the allegations but has reiterated its stance on legitimate defense against external aggression, as outlined by international law.
What is the context of the U.S.-Cuba tension related to these revelations?
The tension is part of a broader diplomatic strain, exacerbated by Cuba's alleged military cooperation with Russia and Iran and the recent visit of CIA Director John Ratcliffe to Havana.