Eyes Over Cuba: The ISR Surge
May 10, 2026
60+
Flights Since Feb 2026
documented ADS-B contacts near Cuban airspace
90
Miles from Florida
Cuba's proximity makes it a perennial SOUTHCOM priority
~3×
Surge vs. Prior Year
estimated increase in operational tempo, early 2026
3
Chinese SIGINT Sites
reported PRC intelligence facilities on Cuban soil
31
SOUTHCOM AOR
nations in U.S. Southern Command's area of responsibility
Monthly ADS-B Flight Contacts Near Cuban Airspace
Distinct sorties logged within ~200 nm of Cuba. Surge period begins Feb 2026 following U.S.-Iran escalation.
Baseline (2024–2025)Surge Period (2026)
Frequently Asked Questions
Data Sources
ADS-B ExchangeFlightRadar24CNN Aviation AnalysisCSIS China Power ProjectCongressional Research Service
Data sources
ADS-B Exchange — Military Aircraft Public Feed· ADS-B ExchangeCNN Aviation Analysis: U.S. Surveillance Flights Near Cuba· CNNCSIS China Power Project: China's Military Presence in Latin America· Center for Strategic and International StudiesCongressional Research Service: U.S. Southern Command: Key Issues for Congress· Congressional Research ServiceSenate Armed Services Committee Hearing — SOUTHCOM Posture (Gen. Richardson)· U.S. SenateWall Street Journal: China Secretly Building Military Installation in Cuba· The Wall Street JournalReuters: U.S. Concerned About New Chinese Intelligence Facility in Cuba· ReutersNaval Air Station Jacksonville — P-8 Poseidon Wing Operations· U.S. NavyFlightRadar24 Military Aircraft Tracking· FlightRadar24