Classified U.S. intelligence was leaked to Axios in May 2026 revealing that Cuba has acquired more than 300 military drones from Iran and Russia since 2023, with the Shahed-136 being the centerpiece of Iran’s contribution.
These are stashed at strategic locations across the island. The Shahed-136 is a one-way attack drone with a range of 1,000–2,500 km, depending on configuration.
It is independent of GPS once programmed, and it’s cheap.
According to the same intelligence, Cuban military officials have been actively discussing plans to use these drones against:
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- Guantanamo Bay — the U.S. naval base on Cuba’s southeastern coast
- U.S. military vessels operating in the Straits of Florida
- Key West, Florida — 90 miles north of Havana Ninety miles. That’s the distance from Manhattan to Philadelphia.
The Iranian pipeline begins with Iranian military advisers in Havana. They are training Cuban personnel.
Venezuela was assembling Mohajer-6 drones when the U.S. removed Maduro. This could be why he was removed, and Secretary Rubio has tight control of Venezuela.
Russia and Iran operate a feedback loop — Russia field-tests Shahed adaptations over Ukraine, then exports the lessons back through Iranian networks to places like Cuba.
More than 5,000 Cuban soldiers have fought for Russia in Ukraine, gaining direct combat experience with drone warfare.
Swarms of Shaheds aimed at Key West would give them 20 to 30 minutes’ warning.
We know the threat these drones present in Iran. The same scenario could take place in the Florida Straits.
Cuba can say it isn’t planning an attack, but the drones are undeniable.
However, we have nuclear. The threat of World War is increasing.
