A Russian naval frigate, the Admiral Gorshkov, and a nuclear-powered submarine, the Kazan, have conducted missile drills in the Atlantic Ocean on their way to Cuba, according to a statement by the Russian Ministry of Defence. These exercises, which took place on Tuesday, involved firing high-precision missiles at mock enemy targets from a distance of over 600 kilometers (370 miles). In addition to these missile drills, the Admiral Gorshkov conducted training to repel an air attack.
These vessels are part of a four-strong Russian fleet set to arrive in Cuba on Wednesday. The Cuban government has emphasized that such visits are standard practice for naval units from countries friendly to Havana, asserting that the ships carry no nuclear weapons and do not pose a threat to the region. Despite these reassurances, the arrival of the Russian fleet will be closely monitored by the United States, especially given the current acute tensions with Russia over its ongoing war in Ukraine.
A US official stated last week that while the move is not perceived as an immediate threat, the US Navy will be observing the exercises closely. "This is about Russia showing that it’s still capable of some level of global power projection," the official remarked. The presence of these advanced Russian naval units in the Caribbean is seen as a demonstration of Moscow's reach and military capabilities.
The Admiral Gorshkov is notably equipped with new Zircon hypersonic missiles. Russian President Vladimir Putin has lauded the Zircon missile as a formidable weapon, capable of penetrating any existing antimissile defenses. The Zircon can travel at nine times the speed of sound and has a range of over 1,000 kilometers (620 miles), making it a significant addition to Russia’s military arsenal. These missiles are designed to be deployed on Russian cruisers, frigates, and submarines, and can be used against both sea and ground targets.
The Russian fleet, which includes the Admiral Gorshkov, the Kazan, and two support ships, is expected to stay in Havana until June 17th. Cuban officials have highlighted that the visit underscores the "historically friendly relations" between Russia and Cuba. This visit is not unprecedented, as Russia has sent warships to the Caribbean on previous occasions. However, the timing of this visit is particularly noteworthy, coming shortly after President Putin warned that Moscow could provide similar weapons to adversaries of the West in response to Ukraine’s Western allies supplying Kyiv with arms capable of striking targets within Russia.
This naval deployment is a clear signal of Russia's intent to maintain its influence and project power on the global stage, even as it faces significant challenges and international condemnation over its actions in Ukraine. The drills and the subsequent visit to Cuba serve as a reminder of the strategic and military ties that still exist between Moscow and Havana, dating back to the Cold War era. The developments will be watched closely by global powers, especially by the United States, which remains vigilant amid the ongoing geopolitical tensions.
