Cuba: Military & Security

Cuba's military and security landscape is a cornerstone of the nation's governance and societal structure. The Revolutionary Armed Forces (Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias, FAR) are pivotal in safeguarding Cuba's territorial integrity and supporting the state's stability. Viewing the United States as its primary adversary, the FAR is deeply embedded within Cuba's political and economic spheres. High-ranking government officials often emerge from military ranks, highlighting the military's influence across national sectors, including agriculture, finance, and tourism. Military expenditures have fluctuated, peaking at 4.2% of GDP in 2020, reflecting a commitment to maintaining robust defense capabilities. The FAR consists of various branches, including Ground Troops, the Revolutionary Navy, and Air and Air Defense Forces. Additionally, paramilitary groups like the Youth Labor Army and the Territorial Militia Troops extend the FAR's reach. Compulsory military service for males underscores the importance of defense readiness, with approximately 50,000 active personnel. The military's arsenal mainly comprises equipment from the Russian and Soviet eras, illustrating historical alliances and technological foundations.

Military - note

The Cuban military primarily concentrates on safeguarding territorial integrity and maintaining the state; it views the United States as its main adversary. This military force serves as a crucial foundation of the Cuban regime and is regarded as the protector of the Cuban revolution. It plays a significant role in the nation's political and economic landscape; numerous high-ranking government positions are occupied by military personnel, and the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR) is said to have interests in sectors such as agriculture, banking and finance, construction, import/export, ports, industry, real estate, retail, shipping, transportation, and tourism (2025)

Military expenditures

Military Expenditures 2016

3.1% of GDP (2016 est.)

Military Expenditures 2017

2.9% of GDP (2017 est.)

Military Expenditures 2018

2.9% of GDP (2018 est.)

Military Expenditures 2019

3.2% of GDP (2019 est.)

Military Expenditures 2020

4.2% of GDP (2020 est.)

Military and security forces

Revolutionary Armed Forces (Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias, FAR): Ground Troops (Tropas Terrestres), Revolutionary Navy (Marina de Guerra Revolucionaria, MGR), Revolutionary Air and Air Defense Forces (Defensas Anti-Aereas y Fuerza Aerea Revolucionaria, DAAFAR)

Paramilitary forces under the FAR: Youth Labor Army (Ejercito Juvenil del Trabajo, EJT), Territorial Militia Troops (Milicia de Tropas de Territoriales, MTT), Defense and Production Brigades (Brigadas de Producción y Defensa, BPD), Civil Defense Organization (Defensa Civil de Cuba)

Ministry of Interior: National Revolutionary Police (Policía Nacional Revolucionaria, PNR), Directorate of Border Guard Troops (Dirección de Tropas de Guardia Fronteriza, TGF), Department of State Security (Departamento de Seguridad del Estado, DSE) (2025)

Military service age and obligation

Military service is compulsory for all males and optional for females (ages 17-28); the service duration is 24 months with either the Armed Forces or the Ministry of Interior; men are required to remain in reserve until the age of 45 (2025)

Military equipment inventories and acquisitions

The military's arsenal consists of equipment from Russian and Soviet periods (2025)

Military and security service personnel strengths

Information is limited; the estimated number of active Armed Forces personnel is around 50,000 (2025)

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