A US Navy submarine, the USS Helena, and a Russian fleet consisting of a nuclear-powered submarine and several frigates have arrived at different locations in Cuba within a day of each other. The USS Helena is making a routine port visit at Guantanamo Bay for global maritime security and national defense missions. The Russian fleet, which includes the Kazan, a Yasan-class nuclear-powered cruise missile submarine, is present for planned military exercises in the Caribbean.
The arrival of both fleets comes amid heightened tensions between Russia and Western allies over various geopolitical issues such as Ukraine. The US and Canadian militaries have been closely monitoring the Russian fleet's journey to Cuba and its activities in the region.
The USS Helena, a Los Angeles-class nuclear-powered attack submarine, arrived at Guantanamo Bay on June 13 for a routine port visit as part of its global maritime security and national defense mission. The submarine is equipped with torpedoes, Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles, and Harpoon anti-ship missiles.
Meanwhile, the Russian fleet arrived in Havana on June 12 for an official port call. The Kazan, a Yasan-class nuclear-powered cruise missile submarine, is one of the most formidable subs in Russia's fleet and can be heavily armed to conduct attacks against targets on land and at sea.
The US Southern Command stated that USS Helena's arrival in Cuba was not a direct response to the Russian naval vessels. However, both fleets are presently operating in Cuban waters, raising concerns about potential conflicts or tensions between the two powers.
Russia has been a longtime ally of Cuba and its military presence in the region is not uncommon. The country has faced economic challenges in recent years and is increasingly reliant on Russian oil and aid to weather its crisis.
