A naval training exercise publicized by the Central Army of Cuba ended up sparking a wave of mockery, questions, and open criticism on social media, after images revealed the use of seemingly outdated naval mines and adapted fishing boats, in stark contrast to the official rhetoric of "invincible defense."
The post, shared from the shores of Trinidad in Sancti Spíritus, features members of the Special Forces of the Revolutionary Navy participating in naval mining exercises. According to the institutional message, this serves as an example of the so-called “people’s war,” in which civilian and military workers act together to defend the territory “inch by inch.”
However, the images themselves immediately raised doubts among users. The mines shown, featuring a spherical design with visible contact pins, resemble models widely used during World War II and the early stages of the Cold War, which are far from the modern systems that utilize magnetic, acoustic, or pressure sensors. Additionally, there is the physical condition of the material, showing signs of wear, and its manual handling on board ships without specialized military equipment.
The vessels used also did not go unnoticed. Far from being warships, the photos show converted fishing boats, without visible military radars, without defensive systems, and with crews that mix uniformed personnel with civilian workers. For many commentators, the scene reinforces the idea of improvisation rather than actual combat capability.
In the comments, the reaction was immediate and polarized. While some users echoed slogans like “Homeland or Death” and “Cuba will prevail,” a significant portion of the responses leaned towards mockery and skepticism. Many pointed out that “with just one aircraft carrier” or “with a few drones,” a modern naval force could easily neutralize such means. Others sarcastically commented on the use of “small boats” and “old barges” to confront a 21st-century war.
The debate quickly shifted from military matters to the everyday reality of the country. Comments asking whether "the electricity has arrived," if there is food or toilet paper, and recalling the lack of fuel and prolonged blackouts became intertwined with images of the naval exercise. For many, the show of force seems disconnected from the pressing issues faced by the population.
There were also direct challenges to the official narrative that presents these maneuvers as expressions of the will of "the whole people." Some users rejected the idea that the Armed Forces speak on behalf of the citizens and made it clear that they do not feel represented by a wartime discourse amid a deep economic and social crisis.
Although the Central Army insisted that "our defense is invincible" and "nothing will be left without defense," the reaction on social media reveals an increasingly visible gap between institutional rhetoric and public perception. The images, far from reinforcing the message of strength, ended up raising doubts about the actual modernization of Cuba's military capabilities and the relevance of such demonstrations in the current context of the country.
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