Russian Warships Hold Missile Drills Hours Before Cuba Stop

Russia sends nuclear warships to Cuba amid rising tension. The arrival of an unusual flotilla in Havana harbour was heralded by the thunderous sound of cannon fire, as 21 guns saluted a Russian “strike group” of warships, including a nuclear submarine.

A Russian Navy flotilla conducted long-range strike drills in the Atlantic Ocean “several hours before entering the capital port of Cuba”. The Russian naval deployment to Cuba is being seen as Russia’s response to the escalating US military support for Ukraine. The tactical naval group deployed by Northern Fleet includes the Yasen-class nuclear-powered submarine Kazan and the frigate Admiral Gorshkov.

The Russian Defense Ministry said the two ships delivered simulated long-range strikes against enemy naval targets located over 600km away. During the voyage, the frigate’s crew also trained to deal with an air raid using its guns and specialised anti-aircraft systems. The Russian flotilla, which also includes the oil tanker Pashin and the salvage tug Nikolay Chiker, reached Cuba on June 12