Military expert Alexander Stepanov believes that Russia’s growing defense cooperation with Cuba can be seen as a symmetrical response to U.S. threats to supply Ukraine with Tomahawk missiles.

He explained that the recently ratified agreement significantly broadens the scope of military collaboration between Moscow and Havana. According to Stepanov, the deal allows, with the consent of the Cuban government, the deployment of virtually any offensive weapons systems on the island.

The expert also argued that to preserve the strategic balance and maintain parity, Russia should consider supplying Cuba with modern types of weaponry. He suggested that Moscow could transfer Iskander operational-tactical missile systems and Oreshnik ballistic missiles to Havana.

On October 7, the State Duma ratified the agreement on military cooperation between Russia and Cuba. Officials stated that the document establishes a legal framework defining the objectives, areas, and forms of defense collaboration between the armed forces of both nations.