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US Ramps Up Intelligence Flights Near Cuba: Report

US military intelligence-gathering flights have increased off Cuba's coast, with 25 flights conducted since February 4. The missions, mostly by P-8A Poseidon aircraft, have occurred near Havana and Santiago de Cuba. This activity coincides with President Trump's escalated rhetoric and new sanctions against Cuba. Similar patterns have been observed before US military operations in Venezuela and Iran.

Key Points: US Intensifies Surveillance Flights Off Cuba

  • US conducted 25 surveillance flights near Cuba since February 4
  • Flights mostly near Havana and Santiago de Cuba, within 40 miles of coast
  • P-8A Poseidon aircraft used for surveillance and reconnaissance
  • Surge coincides with Trump's escalated rhetoric and new sanctions on Cuba
2 min read

US intensifies intelligence-gathering off Cuba: Report

US Navy and Air Force conducted 25 surveillance flights near Cuba since February, including P-8A Poseidon aircraft, amid heightened rhetoric and new sanctions.

"The recent uptick in Cuba is new and deviates from where these aircraft have historically been deployed - CNN"

Washington, May 11

US military intelligence-gathering flights have increased off the coast of Cuba in recent months, according to a media report published on Monday.

Since February 4, the US Navy and Air Force have conducted at least 25 flights, mostly near Havana and Santiago de Cuba, with some coming within 40 miles (64 km) of the coast, said the report, analysing publicly available aviation data from FlightRadar24, a live flight tracker.

The missions have predominantly involved P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, designed for surveillance and reconnaissance, while some have been conducted by other types of aircraft and drones specialising in signals intelligence gathering and high-altitude reconnaissance, reports Xinhua news agency, citing the CNN report.

The flights are unusual not only for their proximity to Cuban shores but also for their sudden frequency, as such public activity had been rare in this region prior to February.

The recent uptick in Cuba "is new and deviates from where these aircraft have historically been deployed," CNN said, citing data aggregated by adsb. exposed.

The surge of flights came after US President Donald Trump ramped up rhetoric against the island nation.

In January, Trump reposted on Truth Social a comment by Fox News contributor Marc Thiessen, which said the president would visit a "free Havana" before leaving office. Just a few days after the post, Trump ordered an oil blockade of Cuba.

Last week, the United States imposed new sanctions on key economic entities in Cuba, including a Cuban-Canadian mining joint venture and a business conglomerate run by Cuba's military, insisting that they represent "threats" to US national security and foreign policy.

CNN noted that similar patterns have occurred in the lead-up to US military operations in both Venezuela and Iran, where escalated US rhetoric coincided with an uptick in publicly visible surveillance flights.

The Pentagon declined to comment on these findings, it said, adding that it has also reached out to the Cuban government.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
India has always stood for non-interference and sovereignty. This escalation off Cuba's coast is worrying. Remember how the US treated our own diplomatic missions in the past? Hypocrisy much? Cuba deserves peace, not another blockade or covert ops. 🇮🇳🤝🇨🇺
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Rohit P
The CNN report mentions 25 flights since Feb, mostly near Havana. That's a lot of surveillance for a country that's supposedly not a threat. Feels like the US is manufacturing a crisis for domestic political reasons. India should call for transparency from both sides.
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Siddharth J
For those saying this is just 'routine', 25 flights in 3 months near a sovereign nation's shores is anything but routine! The Pentagon's silence is deafening. As an Indian watching global geopolitics, I see a dangerous precedent being set. Will India's own sovereignty be respected if similar 'patterns' emerge near Andaman or Lakshadweep? 🤔
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Kavya N
I'm not defending any regime, but the US has a long history of destabilizing Latin American countries under the guise of 'freedom'. Cuba's government has its flaws, but this level of surveillance feels like a return to the dark days of Cold War proxy games. India must maintain its independent foreign policy here.
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Nikhil C
The article mentions similar patterns before Venezuela and Iran operations. That's a red flag! US intelligence gathering often escalates into military action. Cuba's already under crippling sanctions, now this? India should use its G20 chairmanship to call for de-escalation and respect for international law.

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