CUBAN MILITARY BUILDUP

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP79T00428A000200010048-3
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 1
• Document Creation Date: December 16, 2016
• Document Release Date: December 8, 2004
• Sequence Number: 48
• Publication Date: January 8, 1962
• Content Type: REPORT

Approved For Release 2004/12/2
00428A090200010048-3 ,CQ
8 January 1962
I. From September 1960 until
shipments of bloc military supplies
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August 1961,1 kajor
arrived in Cuba. Extensive military training has also been pro-
vided. It is estimated that roughly $100,000,000 worth of equip-
ment and services have been provided. Most has come from the USSR
and Czechoslovakia, though Red China has sent some weapons.
A. The focus recently has been on assimilation of equip-
ment and on training. But further shipments are expected as a result
of negotiations last summer; these may include bombers and naval craft.
II. Arms deliveries have included field and antiaircraft artil-
lery, rocket launchers, medium and heavy tanks, and thousands of mod-
ern small arms. Aircraft supplied include at least 50, possibly as
many as 75, MIGs, some of them MIG-19 supersonic interceptors, as well
as a number of helicopters, piston trainers, and small transports.
III. The capabilities of the Cuban armed forces have increased
steadily and probably now surpass those of any other Latin American
country. Ground forces are estimated at about 75,000 full-time army
and militia, plus about 100,000 in the militia ready reserve and an-
other 100,000 in part-time militia. Air force capabilities have been
greatly enhanced; most of the some 75 Cuban pilots trained in the bloc
are believed to have returned. The relatively weak navy has received
little or no bloc aid.
IV. Cuba's armed forces still have little offensive capability
outside Cuba. But bloc aid is helping develop a body of well-trained
cadres which could be used to lead or supportnogu irdnlla operations
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