In a move reminiscent of Cold War dynamics, a squadron of four Russian Navy ships is set to visit Havana, Cuba between June 12 and 17, 2024. The fleet, originating from the Northern Fleet and accustomed to the frigid Barents Sea, will traverse the Atlantic, passing near Miami and the Bahamas, under the watchful eye of the US Navy. The Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces confirmed the visit in a statement, emphasizing the historic friendly relations between Cuba and Russia and assuring that none of the ships carry nuclear weapons.
The squadron comprises four significant vessels: the frigate Admiral Gorchkov, the nuclear-powered attack submarine Kazan, the tanker Akademik Pashin, and the tugboat Nikolai Chiker. Notably, the Admiral Gorchkov frigate, commissioned in 2018, is part of Russia's modern fleet and is equipped with Zirkon hypersonic missiles that symbolize Russia's push for conventional deterrence alongside its longstanding nuclear capabilities. Meanwhile, the Kazan submarine, the first of the Yasen-M class and in service since 2021, represents a new generation of Russian nuclear attack submarines.
Despite the absence of nuclear weapons on these vessels, the U.S. Navy will monitor the fleet closely, reflecting historical tensions harking back to the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis. The deployment underscores Russia's intention to project its naval power globally. Havana insists the visit aligns with international regulations and poses no threat to the region.
Interestingly, the contemporary Russian navy differs substantially from its Soviet-era counterpart. The Russian fleet capable of deep-sea missions is limited, comprising both modern and Soviet-era ships that are increasingly hard to maintain. According to American officials, while these deployments showcase Russia’s effort to assert influence, they also strain an aging fleet struggling to maintain operational readiness.
This naval movement coincides with heightened global tensions, particularly around Ukraine. The Cuban announcement follows shortly after U.S. President Joe Biden's decision to permit Ukraine to use U.S. munitions against Russian territory, a move that provoked a strong response from Russian President Vladimir Putin. Putin indicated that Russia might act similarly by supplying weaponry to regions targeting sensitive facilities in countries opposing Russia.
- Cuba's reaffirmation of its non-threatening stance highlights efforts to prevent escalation near the U.S. coast. The historic visit marks the first significant deployment of Russian Navy ships to Cuba in recent years, given the island's dependence on Russian aid amid economic downturns. During the summer, Russia plans increased naval and air activities near the U.S., culminating in a comprehensive naval exercise in the fall, further displaying its strategic intentions amidst global tensions.
