On Friday, Cuban-American Congressman Carlos Giménez joined Lockheed Martin executives and local officials in South Florida to advocate for deploying F-35 Lightning II jets at the Homestead Air Reserve Base, located just over 90 nautical miles from Cuba. Giménez issued a stark warning to the Cuban regime, as reported by NTN24.
The Republican congressman justified the move with a bold statement: "We recognize Cuba as a threat to U.S. security, which is why we must maintain this type of presence with the F-35 and other capabilities here, always keeping an eye on the threat posed by Cuba."
Enhanced Military Capabilities
Giménez highlighted the technical superiority of the new jet over the currently operating F-16s at Homestead: "This aircraft possesses capabilities that the F-16 lacks, and I believe the Cuban regime will not appreciate having it nearby. While the F-16 can reach there, the F-35's ability, particularly in intelligence, makes it nearly invisible to the Cubans."
The congressman added that the difference in detection is significant: "Unlike the F-16, which is visible on radar, the F-35 is almost undetectable, enhancing its capabilities far beyond those of the F-16."
Strategic Military Backbone
During the event, Giménez described the F-35 as the backbone of the U.S. military aviation. "The backbone of our air forces is the F-35, which is why it's crucial to replace the F-16s at Homestead with these jets to keep the base operational," he asserted.
For over a year, Giménez has been advocating for this deployment. In June 2025, he led a letter to President Trump, specifically requesting the placement of F-35s at Homestead, marking the announcement as the culmination of prolonged efforts with the White House.
Fifth-Generation Fighter Deployment
The Air Force Department announced on May 8 that Homestead was selected to receive 24 F-35A Lightning II fighters, replacing the 24 F-16s of the 482nd Fighter Wing, pending environmental review. Full operational capability is expected by 2035.
A professional flight simulator for the F-35, transported by a large truck, was present at the Friday event, alongside Lockheed Martin's CEO. State Senator for district 40, Ana María Rodríguez, celebrated the economic impact, emphasizing that this initiative means thousands of jobs and significant investment for the community.
Rising Military Pressure on Cuba
The announcement comes amidst heightened tensions between Washington and Havana. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth recently warned during a visit to Panama that Cuba should heed President Trump's resolve, noting that Washington keeps "all options on the table, including military ones."
Simultaneously, Puerto Rico has become a hub for large-scale maneuvers, with over 8,100 U.S. soldiers conducting exercises from May to August at the reactivated Roosevelt Roads base and Ponce. Concerns also mount over Cuba's drone arsenal. Intelligence reports cited by Infobae suggest that since 2023, Cuba has amassed over 300 military drones of Russian and Iranian origin, a point used by Giménez to support the need for F-35s at Homestead.
FAQs on U.S. Military Presence in Florida
Why is the F-35 deployment in Florida significant?
The deployment of F-35 jets strengthens U.S. military presence near Cuba, enhancing security capabilities and serving as a strategic deterrent against potential threats from the Cuban regime.
What are the advantages of the F-35 over the F-16?
The F-35 offers advanced stealth capabilities, superior intelligence gathering, and enhanced operational efficiency, making it less detectable and more effective than the F-16.