US Surveillance Flights Near Cuba Increase Sharply

United States military intelligence-gathering operations near Cuba appear to be intensifying, according to an analysis of publicly available aviation tracking data. Reports indicate that since February 4, the US Southern Command has carried out at least 25 surveillance-related flights around the island using both manned aircraft and drones.

Most of the operations were reportedly concentrated near Cuba’s two largest cities, Havana and Santiago de Cuba, with some aircraft flying as close as 40 miles from the Cuban coastline. Data from FlightRadar24⁠� was used to monitor the activity.

The increase in reconnaissance missions has sparked renewed attention on the long-standing tensions between Washington and Havana. Intelligence flights in the region are not new, but the reported frequency of recent operations suggests a stronger focus on monitoring military, communications, and maritime activity around Cuba.

US Southern Command has not publicly detailed the objectives behind the flights, though such missions are typically linked to regional security monitoring, counter-narcotics operations, and strategic intelligence collection.

The developments come at a time when geopolitical tensions remain high across several regions globally, with major powers increasing surveillance and military readiness activities near strategic territories.