Russia: No Plans for Cuban Radar Base
According to RIA Novosti, Russia will not reopen a radar base in Cuba. “This matter is not under consideration,” Sergei Lavrov said at a news conference.
The 28-square-mile Lourdes facility, located near Havana, is the largest Russian signal intelligence site abroad. Former President Vladimir Putin closed it in 2001. At one point, 1,000 to 1,500 people occupied the facility.
Cuba was a player in the Cold War between the U.S. and Russia. Just 90 miles from our shores, Cuba is a hotbed of political wrangling between the world’s superpowers. Any Russian facility that close to the U.S. is a major concern, naturally. RIA Novosti reports that the Lourdes facility “intercepted transmissions from microwave towers in the United States, communication satellite downlinks, and a wide range of shortwave and high-frequency radio transmissions.”
Speaking of Cuban bases, a Russian newspaper reported in July that a high-placed source said the Kremlin may retaliate against the U.S. if it deployed missile interceptors in Poland or Lithuania. The retaliation would consist of Russia installing Tupolev Tu-160 White Swan supersonic nuclear bombers in Cuba. Former Cuban dictator Fidel Castro didn’t confirm or deny the report. (Source)
(Source: RIA Novosti)
Tags: cuba, fidel castro, radar base, Russia, Sergei Lavrov, Vladimir Putin