After the successful resolution of the "Caribbean crisis" and the withdrawal of most of the Soviet troops, the Cubans received the bulk of the equipment and weapons of the 10th and 11th Air Defense Forces, and the MiG-21F-13 fighters of the 32nd GIAP.
Thus, the air defense and air forces of Cuba received the most modern Soviet front-line fighters, anti-aircraft missile systems and anti-aircraft guns with radar guidance at that time. However, there is every reason to believe that for another 1, 5-2 years, Soviet specialists were engaged in the operation of complex equipment and weapons in Cuba. According to archival data, the first flight of a Cuban pilot on the MiG-21F-13 took place on April 12, 1963.
Anti-aircraft missile systems SA-75M, radars P-30, P-12, altimeters PRV-10 and batteries 57-100-mm anti-aircraft guns were finally transferred to the Cubans by May 1964. The ground air defense forces had: 17 SA-75M air defense missiles, about 500 ZPU of 12, 7-14, 5-mm caliber, 400 37-mm 61-K assault rifles, 200 57-mm S-60, about 150 85-mm KS guns -12 and 80 100 mm KS-19. Thanks to Soviet assistance, it was possible to train 4,580 air force and air defense specialists. To form and deploy military command and control bodies of two air defense brigades, as well as: two technical batteries, a central laboratory, workshops for the repair of anti-aircraft missile and artillery weapons. Air coverage and the issuance of target designation to fighters and air defense systems were assigned to two radio technical battalions and seven separate radar companies.
As the development of the MiG-15bis jet fighters, quite simple to fly and operate, the question arose of adopting interceptors capable of opposing high-speed flights of American reconnaissance aircraft and suppressing illegal low-altitude flights of light aircraft. In 1964, the DAAFAR fighter fleet was supplemented by four dozen MiG-17Fs and twelve supersonic MiG-19Ps equipped with the Izumrud-3 radar. Theoretically equipped with radars, the MiG-19P could intercept air targets at night. However, aircraft that were quite difficult to control were not popular with Cuban pilots, and all MiG-19Ps were written off by 1968.
On the contrary, the subsonic MiG-17F flew actively until 1985. These unpretentious fighters were repeatedly used to intercept piston aircraft, on which the CIA threw their agents to the island, they also attacked speedboats and schooners that violated the sea border. In the 70s, after a major overhaul, the Cuban MiG-17Fs were able to use K-13 guided missiles with a thermal guidance head.
Following the front-line MiG-21F-13 fighters, which did not have radars suitable for detecting air targets, in 1964 the Cuban Air Force received 15 front-line MiG-21PF interceptors with an RP-21 radar sight and Lazur command guidance equipment. Unlike the MiG-21F-13, this aircraft did not have built-in cannon armament, and only guided missiles or 57-mm NAR S-5 could be used for air targets. In 1966, Cuban pilots began mastering the next modification - the MiG-21PFM, with a modified RP-21M radar sight and the possibility of hanging a GP-9 container with a GSh-23L twin-barreled 23-mm cannon. The MiG-21PFM armament consisted of K-5MS guided missiles with a radar guidance system.
In 1974, the MiG-21MF with the RP-22 radar appeared in DAAFAR. The new station had better characteristics, the target detection range reached 30 km, and the tracking range increased from 10 to 15 km. A more modern modification of the "twenty-first" carried K-13R (R-3R) missiles with a semi-active radar homing head and an increased launch range, which significantly increased the ability to intercept at night and in poor visibility conditions. Beginning in 1976, the Cuban Air Force began mastering the MiG-21bis - the last and most advanced serial modification of the "twenty-first", produced in the USSR. Thanks to the installation of a more powerful engine and a new avionics, the combat capabilities of the fighter have increased significantly. The aircraft was equipped with a new RP-22M radar and Lazur-M anti-jamming communication equipment, providing interaction with the ground command guidance system for air targets, as well as a flight and navigation complex for short-range navigation and landing approach with automatic and director control. In addition to the K-13 family of missiles, the R-60 maneuverable melee missile missile system with a thermal homing head was introduced into the armament. At the same time, up to six missiles could be placed on the hardpoints.
In total, from 1962 to 1989, DAAFAR received more than 270 fighters: MiG-21F-13, MiG-21PF, MiG-21MF and MiG-21bis. This number also includes the MiG-21R photographic reconnaissance aircraft and the MiG-21U / UM training pair. As of 1990, the Cuban Air Force consisted of 10 squadrons and had about 150 MiG-21s of various modifications in storage.
Relatively simple and reliable, the MiG-21 had a reputation as a "soldier aircraft". But with all the advantages of the "twenty-first" in the cone of its air intake, it was impossible to place a powerful radar, which significantly limited the possibilities as an interceptor. In 1984, the Soviet Union delivered 24 MiG-23MF fighters. The aircraft with variable wing geometry was equipped with: Sapfir-23E radar with a detection range of 45 km, TP-23 heat direction finder and Lazur-SM command guidance system. The armament of the MiG-23MF consisted of two medium-range missiles R-23R or R-23T, two or four short-range missiles K-13M or R-60 melee missiles and a suspended container with a 23-mm GSh-23L cannon.
The MiG-23MF onboard radar, in comparison with the RP-22M station installed on the MiG-21bis, could detect targets at 1, 5 longer range. The R-23R missile with a semi-active radar seeker was capable of hitting targets at a range of up to 35 km, and surpassed the UR K-13R by this indicator by 4 times. The launch range of the R-23T UR with TGS reached 23 km. It was believed that this rocket could hit targets on a collision course and that the front aerodynamic surfaces were heated enough to lock the target. At altitude, the MiG-23MF accelerated to 2500 km / h and had a significantly larger combat radius than the MiG-21.
Already in 1985, the Cubans received an even more perfect modification of the "twenty-third" - the MiG-23ML. The aircraft had a power plant with increased thrust, improved acceleration and maneuverability, as well as electronics on a new element base. The detection range of the Sapphire-23ML radar was 85 km, the capture range was 55 km. The TP-23M heat direction finder detected the exhaust of a turbojet engine at a distance of up to 35 km. All sighting information was displayed on the windshield. Together with the MiG-23ML, the R-24 air combat missiles with a launch range into the front hemisphere of up to 50 km and the upgraded R-60MK with an anti-jamming cooled TGS were supplied to Cuba.
By the second half of the 80s, Cuban aviators had sufficiently mastered the MiG-23MF / ML, which made it possible to write off the heavily worn out MiG-21F-13 and MiG-21PF. At the same time, all modifications of the "twenty-third" made rather high demands on the qualifications of the pilot and the level of ground maintenance.
At the same time, the MiG-23 had much higher operating costs compared to the MiG-21. In 1990, the Cuban Air Force had: 14 MiG-23ML, 21 MiG-23MF and 5 MiG-23UB (one combat training "twin" in each squadron).
Cuban Air Force fighters MiG-17F, MiG-21MF, MiG-21bis, MiG-23ML took an active part in a number of armed incidents and conflicts. On May 18, 1970, a Cuban fishing trawler with 18 fishermen was arrested in the Bahamas. The incident was settled after several MiG-21s made high-speed low-altitude flights over the capital of the Bahamas - Nassau. On May 8, 1980, Cuban MiG-21s sank the Bahamian patrol vessel HMBS Flamingo, which detained two Cuban fishing trawlers, with fire from onboard cannons and NAR. On September 10, 1977, the MiG-21bis squadron, after the detention of a Cuban dry cargo ship, carried out imitation of assault strikes on objects in the territory of the Dominican Republic in order to put pressure on the leadership of this country. Demonstration flights of MiGs gave the expected result, and the cargo ship was released.
In January 1976, the Cuban MiG-17F and MiG-21MF arrived in Angola, where they provided air support to ground units and carried out air defense missions. On November 6, 1981, one MiG-21MF was lost in aerial combat with South African Mirage F1CZ fighters. Later, the more advanced MiG-21bis and MiG-23ML managed to turn the tide of hostilities in their favor, shooting down several Mirages.
Cuban military aircraft performed very well in 1977 during the Ethiopian-Somali war. The MiG-17F and MiG-21bis, operating in conjunction with the Ethiopian Northrop F-5A Freedom Fighter fighters, won air supremacy. In the 70s and 80s, the Cuban MiG-21 and MiG-23 participated in the exercises of the Soviet Navy, imitating enemy aircraft. At the same time, the Soviet command noted the high level of training and professionalism of the Cuban pilots.
In the second half of the 80s, the 4th generation MiG-29 fighter was offered to the allies in the socialist camp. In October 1989, 12 MiG-29s of the export modification 9-12B and two "twin" MiG-29UBs (series 9-51) arrived in Cuba.
The N019 radar, installed on the MiG-29 fighter, is capable of detecting a fighter-type target at a distance of up to 80 km. The optical-location system detects air targets at a distance of up to 35 km. Target information is displayed on the windshield. In addition to the 30-mm GSh-301 cannon, the export MiG-29 is capable of carrying six R-60MK and R-73 melee missiles with a launch range of 10-30 km. Also, the combat load may include two R-27 medium-range missiles with a semi-active radar seeker, capable of striking air targets at a range of 60 km. Sufficiently high accelerating and maneuverable characteristics, perfect composition of avionics, the presence of highly maneuverable melee missiles and medium-range missiles in the armament made it possible for the MiG-29 to stand on an equal footing with American 4th generation fighters. In 1990, the Cuban MiG-29, together with the MiG-23, during joint exercises, practiced interception of long-range bombers on the Soviet Tu-95MS.
According to information voiced in an interview given by Cuban Defense Minister Raul Castro to the Mexican newspaper El Sol de Mexico, according to the original DAAFAR plan, at least 40 single-seat fighters were to be received, which significantly increased the combat capabilities of the Cuban Air Force. However, this was prevented by economic difficulties and the subsequent collapse of the USSR.
The squadron of the Cuban MiG-29 was part of the Regimiento de Caza regiment and was operated in conjunction with the MiG-23MF / ML fighters at the San Antonio airbase near Havana. In the 90s, under pressure from the United States, the leadership of the "new" Russia practically curtailed military-technical cooperation with Havana, which affected the level of combat readiness of Cuban fighters. Maintaining the MiG-21 and MiG-23 in flight condition was due to the availability of a sufficient number of spare parts received from the USSR, and the dismantling of units and components from machines that had exhausted their service life. In addition, after the collapse of the Eastern Bloc, there was an abundance of Soviet-made aircraft, spare parts and consumables for it on the world "black" arms market after the collapse of the Eastern Bloc. The situation was more complicated with the very modern MiG-29 at that time. Spare parts for the "twenty-nine" were not easy to get, and they were expensive. Nevertheless, the Cubans made great efforts to keep their fighters in flight condition. The loudest incident involving the MiG-29 of the Cuban Air Force was the downing of two Cessna-337 aircraft of the American organization "Rescue Brothers". In the past, Cessna pistons have repeatedly avoided interception by the Cuban MiG-21 and MiG-23 due to their high maneuverability and ability to fly at low altitude with minimal speed. So, in 1982, the MiG-21PFM crashed, the pilot of which tried to equalize his speed with a piston light-engine aircraft that invaded Cuban airspace. On February 24, 1996, the MiG-29UB, guided by the commands of a ground-based radar, shot down two piston aircraft with R-60MK missiles. At the same time, the MiG-23UB was used as a repeater.
The Cuban Air Force is now a pitiful shadow of what it was in 1990. At that time, the Air Force and Air Defense Revolutionary Forces were the most powerful in Central and South America. According to The Military Balance 2017, DAAFAR had 2 MiG-29s and 2 combat training MiG-29UBs in flight condition. Two more MiG-29s suitable for restoration were "in storage". Also, the combat strength allegedly included 12 MiG-23 and 8 MiG-21, without breakdown into modifications. However, the data on the MiG-23 is most likely grossly overestimated, which is confirmed by satellite images of the Cuban air bases.
An analysis of the images of the main Cuban airbase of San Antonia shows that in 2018 there are several MiG-21 and L-39 training aircraft in operational condition here. Apparently, the MiG-23, standing next to the concrete shelters, are "real estate", since they have been in a static state for several years. MiG-29s are not visible in the pictures and are most likely hidden in hangars.
At the moment, the Cuban Air Force uses three air bases: San Antonio and Playa Baracoa in the vicinity of Havana, Olgin - in the northeastern part of the island. Where, also judging by satellite images, there are 2-3 capable MiG-21bis.
In addition, Olgin airbase is a storage base for fighters in reserve. Until 2014, the main DAAFAR airbase, San Antonio, was a real aviation cemetery where decommissioned MiG-21, MiG-23 and MiG-29 fighters were stored.
Again, judging by satellite images, the decommissioning of the MiG-29 in Cuba began in 2005, when the first aircraft of this type appeared at aviation dumps. Apparently, in the next few years, the Cuban Air Force may not have fighters capable of performing air defense missions. As you know, the Cuban leadership does not have free money for the purchase of combat aircraft. It is extremely doubtful that the Russian government will provide a loan for these purposes; it seems more probable that a gratuitous supply of aircraft from the PRC seems to be.
As of 1990, more than 40 S-75, S-125 and Kvadrat anti-aircraft missile divisions were deployed in Cuba. According to archival materials to the Cuban side during the Soviet era, the following were transferred: 24 SA-75M "Dvina" air defense systems with 961 V-750VN air defense systems, 3 C-75M "Volga" air defense systems with 258 B-755 air defense systems, 15 C-75M3 "Volga" air defense systems with 382 SAM B-759. Operation of the early SA-75M 10-cm range, obtained during the "Cuban missile crisis", continued until the mid-80s. In addition to medium-range anti-aircraft missile systems, the Cuban air defense forces received 28 low-altitude S-125M / S-125M1A Pechora missiles and 1257 V-601PD missiles. Together with the air defense missile system, 21 "Accord-75/125" simulators were supplied. Two radar complexes "Cab-66" with radio range finders and radio altimeters PRV-13. For early detection of air targets, radars of the meter range P-14 and 5N84A were intended, of which 4 and 3 units were delivered. In addition, each anti-aircraft missile division was assigned a mobile P-12/18 meter-range radar. To detect low-altitude targets on the coast, mobile decimeter stations P-15 and P-19 were deployed. The process of controlling the combat work of the Cuban air defense was carried out using one Vector-2VE automated control system and five Nizina-U automated control systems. In the interests of each fighter airbase in the 80s, several P-37 decimeter range radars functioned in Cuba. These stations, in addition to regulating air traffic, issued target designations for fighter aircraft.
Taking into account the fact that most of the equipment and weapons were supplied "on credit", the Soviet Union very well equipped the air defense of Cuba. In addition to the stationary S-75 and S-125, in the vicinity of Havana, three divisions, equipped with mobile Kvadrat air defense systems, were on shifts in shifts. Since 1964, all the equipment and weapons of the Air Defense Forces intended for deployment on the "Liberty Island" were manufactured in a "tropical" version, using a special paint-and-lacquer coating for repelling insects, which of course extended the service life in the tropics. However, after the island state was left without Soviet military and economic assistance, there was a rapid degradation of the Cuban air defense system. By the beginning of the 21st century, the means of command and control, communications and airspace control, delivered in the 70s and 80s, were hopelessly outdated. The same applies to the first generation anti-aircraft missile systems. Taking into account the fact that the newest Cuban air defense system S-75M3 was received in 1987, all available anti-aircraft missile systems are close to depleting a resource.
Thanks to the fact that, with Soviet help, educational institutions for the training of air defense specialists and repair enterprises were built in Cuba, the Cubans were able to carry out refurbishment of several radars 5N84A ("Defense-14"), P-37 and P-18. In addition, along with the overhaul of the C-75M3 and C-125M1 air defense systems, elements of these complexes were installed on the chassis of T-55 medium tanks, which was supposed to increase the mobility of anti-aircraft missile divisions. For the first time, such installations were demonstrated during a large-scale military parade in Havana in 2006.
But if one can agree with the placement of the C-125M1 launcher with the V-601PD solid-propellant missiles on a tank chassis, then a lot of problems arise with the B-759 liquid-propellant missiles of the C-75M3 complex. Those who have had a chance to operate air defense systems of the S-75 family know how troublesome the procedures are to refuel, deliver and install missiles on "guns". A rocket fueled with liquid fuel and a caustic oxidizer is a very delicate product that requires very careful handling. When transporting missiles on a transport-loading vehicle, serious restrictions are imposed on the speed of movement and shock loads. There is no doubt that when driving over rough terrain a tank chassis with a fueled rocket installed on it, due to the high vibration, it will not be possible to meet these restrictions, which, of course, will negatively affect the reliability of the missile defense system and pose a great danger to the calculation in the event of a leak fuel and oxidizer.
The "doghouse" of the SNR-75 guidance station looks very comical on a caterpillar track. Taking into account the fact that the element base of the C-75M3 complex is built largely on fragile electric vacuum devices, and the SNR-75 center of gravity in this case is placed very high, one can only guess at what speed this homemade product can move along the roads without losing its performance …
A number of Russian reference publications indicate completely unrealistic figures for the number of air defense systems available in the Cuban air defense system. For example, a number of sources say that 144 S-75 air defense missile systems and 84 S-125 launchers are still deployed on the "Freedom Island". Obviously, the authors citing such data believe that all the complexes delivered in the 60-80s are still in service. In reality, there are currently no C-75 medium-range air defense systems permanently deployed in Cuba. It is possible that several operational complexes are "stored" in closed hangars, where they are protected from adverse meteorological factors. As for the low-altitude C-125M1, four complexes are on alert at permanent positions. However, the pictures clearly show that not all launchers are equipped with missiles.
According to information published in the American media, several more low-altitude anti-aircraft systems are located in protected concrete shelters at Cuban air bases. This is confirmed by Google Earth satellite images.
In the 70-80s, to protect army units from air attacks, the armed forces of Cuba received: three air defense missile systems "Kvadrat", 60 short-range air defense systems "Strela-1", 16 "Osa", 42 "Strela-10", more than 500 MANPADS "Strela-2M", "Strela-3", "Igla-1". Most likely, at present, the obsolete Strela-1 air defense missile systems on the BDRM-2 chassis have been decommissioned, the same applies to the Kvadrat air defense missile systems that have exhausted their resource. Of the MANPADS, about 200 Igla-1s may have survived in working order.
As of 2006, there were up to 120 ZSU, including: 23 ZSU-57-2, 50 ZSU-23-4. The Cuban army has a lot of homemade products based on the BTR-60. Paired 23-mm anti-aircraft guns ZU-23 and 37-mm machine guns 61-K are installed on armored personnel carriers. Also in the troops and "in storage" there are up to 900 anti-aircraft guns: approximately 380 23-mm ZU-23, 280 37-mm 61-K, 200 57-mm S-60, as well as an unknown number of 100-mm KS-19. According to Western data, the bulk of the 85-mm anti-aircraft guns KS-12 and 100-mm KS-19 have been decommissioned or transferred to the coastal defense.
At present, control of the airspace over the "Freedom Island" and the adjacent waters is carried out by three permanent radar posts equipped with P-18 and "Oborona-14" meter-range radars. In addition, all operating airbases have P-37 decimeter radars, and the target designation of the air defense missile system is carried out by the P-18 and P-19 stations. However, most of the available radars are badly worn out and are not constantly on duty.
On December 9, 2016, Russia and Cuba signed a program of technological cooperation in the field of defense until 2020. The document was signed by the co-chairs of the Russian-Cuban intergovernmental commission Dmitry Rogozin and Ricardo Cabrisas Ruiz. According to the agreement, Russia will supply vehicles and Mi-17 helicopters. It also provides for the creation of service centers. Apparently, the parties discussed the possibility of modernizing the Soviet-made military equipment available in the Cuban armed forces, including air defense systems. However, no agreements were announced in this area. It should be understood that Cuba is very constrained in financial resources, and Russia is not ready to modernize Cuban air defense systems and fighters on credit. Against this background, information on the construction of a large stationary radar south of Havana in the Bejucal region is of interest. US officials said it was a Chinese reconnaissance facility designed to track the southwestern United States, home to many military bases, a spaceport and test sites. According to information released by the US Department of Defense, American radio-technical intelligence has already detected powerful high-frequency radiation in this area, which indicates that the facility is undergoing commissioning and should be expected to be put into operation soon.
