U.S. Dramatically Increases Recon Flights Near Cuba Amid Trump Threats

The United States has significantly increased reconnaissance flights near Cuba amid escalating tensions in the Caribbean, CNN reports.

Since February 4, the U.S. military has conducted at least 25 known surveillance missions near the island’s coastline.

The operations involved P-8A Poseidon anti-submarine aircraft, RC-135V Rivet Joint electronic intelligence planes, and MQ-4C Triton high-altitude drones.

Most flights were carried out along Cuba’s northern and eastern coasts, near Havana and Santiago de Cuba. Some aircraft reportedly flew within 64 kilometers (40 miles) of the shore.

Overall, increased U.S. aviation activity near Cuba is not unusual. Naval Air Station Key West hosts combat and training aircraft, including ‘aggressor’ squadrons flying F-5 jets that simulate enemy aircraft during military exercises.

For example, on May 1, three aircraft conducted flights near Cuba.

In addition, on April 30, an E-2D Hawkeye airborne early warning and control aircraft was operating in the area, carrying out an extended flight near Cuba.

The aircraft may have been involved either in U.S. reconnaissance operations or in coordinating the flights of other aircraft in the region.

Another unusual incident was recorded on March 12, when an anti-submarine patrol aircraft and an MQ-4C Triton drone control aircraft unexpectedly activated their transponders, making them visible on public flight-tracking platforms.

However, the aircraft’s takeoff location and flight route remained unknown, suggesting the mission may have been linked to intelligence or reconnaissance activities.

Meanwhile, the close proximity of U.S. airbases to Cuba allows Washington to monitor Cuba’s air defense systems and conduct near-daily surveillance of military movements.

The increase in reconnaissance activity coincided with a sharp escalation in Washington’s rhetoric. Previously, President Donald Trump imposed an oil blockade on the island and introduced new sanctions against Cuban economic entities.

U.S. officials say the measures are a response to national security threats.

Trump recently also threatened to send the USS Abraham Lincoln to the waters near Cuba. Speaking at the Forum Club of Palm Beach, he said he had asked military commanders to deploy the carrier just 100 yards from the island.

Trump has repeatedly warned of possible military action against Cuba, describing it as “the next target after Iran.” He called a potential operation “a new dawn for Cuba,” arguing that the country is now weakened and that the U.S. could “do whatever it wants” there.