Cuba acquired 300+ Russian and Iranian military drones. How Russia’s war against Ukraine seeded the threat?

According to classified U.S. intelligence shared with Axios, Cuba has acquired more than 300 military drones from Russia and Iran. U.S. officials say Cuban authorities have also discussed possible military use of these systems in the context of tensions with the United States.

The report says Cuban officials recently sought additional drones and military equipment from Russia. Intelligence intercepts cited by U.S. officials also suggest Cuban security services are studying how Iran responds to Western pressure and sanctions.

U.S. officials estimate that around 5,000 Cuban citizens have fought for Russia in the war against Ukraine. Some reportedly shared battlefield experience with Cuban military leadership, including lessons about the effectiveness of drone warfare.

Ukrainian intelligence has reported a significantly higher figure. During a briefing to the U.S. Congress, Ukrainian officials said nearly 20,000 Cubans had served in Russia’s army since the start of the recruitment campaign. Ukrainian forces have also captured Cuban fighters on the battlefield. According to Ukrainian officials, many were used as expendable frontline infantry with limited protection or training.

"They're part of the Putin meat grinder. They're learning about Iranian tactics. It's something we have to plan for," the U.S. official said.

The case illustrates how battlefield experience gained during Russia’s war against Ukraine is being shared between states hostile to the West, including through drone warfare practices, military cooperation, and exchanges on sanctions evasion tactics.

Source: Axios