---
title: "Pentagon studies scenarios for an amphibious landing in Cuba: from the 101st Division to regime change"
description: "The Pentagon is considering scenarios for an amphibious landing in Cuba due to the threat from Cuban drones. Although a military operation has not yet been approved, the US is increasing economic pressure and blockade, demanding a regime change. Cuba is ready for armed resistance. 🇺🇸🇨🇺🚁"
date: 2026-07-16T10:17:28.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/pentagon-studies-scenarios-for-an-amphibious-landing-in-cuba
tags: [pentagon, cuba, donald-trump, military-operation, miguel-diaz-canel]
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Pentagon studies scenarios for an amphibious landing in Cuba: from the 101st Division to regime change

![Aerial view of the Pentagon building where scenarios for a landing on Cuba are being developed](https://xab.info/media/2026/07/16/pentagon-rassmatrivaet-vysadku-desanta-na-kube/pentagon-rassmatrivaet-vysadku-desanta-na-kube-1.webp)

A debate has erupted in the corridors of US power regarding possible military intervention in Cuba. According to CBS News, the Pentagon has been considering several scenarios for forceful action in recent weeks, including the landing of thousands of soldiers from the elite 101st Airborne Division on the island. Despite the active discussion of plans, a final decision to conduct the operation has not yet been made.

### Intelligence and security threats

The impetus for reviewing the strategy towards Havana came from intelligence data. Washington is concerned that Cuba has purchased more than 300 unmanned aerial vehicles. Experts fear that these drones could be used to strike the US base in Guantanamo, US Navy ships, and even the territory of the state of Florida.

Defense Minister Pete Hegseth previously warned directly: any attempt by Havana to acquire weapons posing a threat to the United States will become the cause of direct confrontation.

### Priorities and alternatives

Despite the development of military plans, CBS News sources note that the implementation of the operation in the near future is unlikely. The main forces and resources of the Pentagon are currently engaged in the resumed war against Iran. Furthermore, the administration of President Donald Trump prefers to achieve a change of power in Cuba through economic and diplomatic levers.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has repeatedly stated that Washington is interested in the emergence of a technocratic government in Havana ready for reforms. However, on July 11, he admitted that the current leadership of the country and its "corrupt elite" are not changing course, remaining faithful to Marxist ideology and maintaining total control over the state.

### Pressure and ultimatums

With Donald Trump's return to the White House, pressure on the island has increased significantly. The US has once again included Cuba on the list of state sponsors of terrorism. In January 2026, the American leader declared a state of emergency, citing a threat to national security, and organized an energy blockade. In May, Cuban authorities were forced to admit the critical state of the national energy system.

In May, CIA Director John Ratcliffe visited Cuba. He promised expanded cooperation in exchange for deep reforms and also demonstrated to the Cuban side an example of the effectiveness of US intelligence services, reminding them of the operation to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.

### Havana's reaction

Washington intends to achieve a change of power in Cuba by the end of 2026, reports The Wall Street Journal. Trump has repeatedly stated the inevitable collapse of the Cuban regime, promising to deal with this issue after completing actions against Iran.

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel responded to the threats with a resolute statement. He emphasized that the country is ready to resist in the event of an invasion. "We will fight, we will defend ourselves, and if we are destined to fall in battle, then to die for the motherland means to live," declared the Cuban leader.