Trump Won't Give Up on Cuba: US Increases Reconnaissance Flights and Surveillance
The United States has intensified reconnaissance flights and surveillance near Cuba, with a sharp escalation of activities in the Caribbean region further raising tensions.
TL;DR
- The US has conducted at least 25 reconnaissance flights near Cuba since early February.
- Flights occurred near Havana and Santiago de Cuba, with some reaching within 64 kilometers of the coast.
- Aircraft used included P-8A Poseidon, RC-135V Rivet Joint, and MQ-4C Triton drones.
- The increase in visible flights is notable, as they were rare before February.
- This surge aligns with heightened US criticism and pressure on Cuba, including oil supply blockades and sanctions.
- Cuban authorities deny posing a threat but are prepared for armed resistance if attacked.
- Similar patterns of increased US surveillance have preceded military actions in Venezuela and Iran.
- US reconnaissance aircraft have also been present in Ukraine, the Korean Peninsula, and along Russia's western border since early 2025.