STRATEGIC RESEARCH MONTHLY REVIEW SEPTEMBER 1977

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP79B00457A001200050001-5
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 10
• Document Creation Date: December 15, 2016
• Document Release Date: May 6, 2004
• Sequence Number: 1
• Publication Date: September 1, 1977
• Content Type: REPORT

Approved For Release 2004/06/24: CIA-RDP791300457~00120005
Strategic Research
Monthly Review
September 1977 25X1
25X1 Copy 14 9
Approved For Release 2004/06/24: CIA-RDP79B00457AO01200050001-5
 25X1 Approved For Release 2004/06/24: CIA-RDP79B00457AO01200050001-5
Approved For Release 2004/06/24: CIA-RDP79B00457AO01200050001-5
 Approved For Release 2004/06/24: CIA-RDP79B0Q457A001200050001-5
Strategic Research
Monthly Review
September 1977
This publication of the Office of Strategic Research contains
substantive findings and analytical judgments that are preliminary in
nature and have not been formally coordinated with other CIA and
intelligence community components.
Comments and queries regarding the articles are welcomed. They
may be directed to the person named following each item.
Approved For Release 2004/06/24: CIA-RDP79B004~7A001200050001-5
 25X1 .
25X1
25X1
Approved For ReIe4
Approved For ReIe4
Cuba has modernized its armed forces over the
past decade, and especially since early 1976, with
an assortment of Soviet ground, air, and naval
weapons. Although these weapons are not the most
sophisticated the USSR could provide, they appear
adequate for Cuba's needs. Unlike some other re-
cipients of Soviet military aid, Havana's forces can
effectively use the equipment they get, having had
ample opportunity to employ this gear in combat
as well as in exercises.
SR?MR
se 2004/06/14 b eIRDP79B00457AO012000506 Iteg ber 1977
25X1
 25X1 Approved For Release 2004/06/24: CIA-RDP79B00457AO01200050001-5
Next 14 Page(s) In Document Exempt
Approved For Release 2004/06/24: CIA-RDP79B00457AO01200050001-5
 Approved For Re
The Cuban Military Modernization Program
The Cubans have been modernizing their armed forces over the past decade,
and especially since early 1976, with an assortment of Soviet ground, air, and naval
weapons. Although these weapons are not the most sophisticated the USSR could
provide, they appear adequate for Cuba's needs and strengthen its combat capabil-
ities.
Delivery of these new weapons apparently fulfills earlier Soviet commitments
to replace with later models the equipment Cuba sent to Angola. The Cubans
received T-62 tanks and modern air defense weapons for the old T-34 and T-55
tanks and antiaircraft artillery guns of Korean war vintage dispatched to Angola. The
program also appears to be normal modernization of Havana's forces; some ships and
armored vehicles are products of the early and mid-1950s.
25X1
SR?MR
Approved For Rele se 2004/06PP4SF A-RDP79B00457AO012'Mi--'7
 Approved For
29RI1
Types of Weapons. Cuba's forces, while entirely dependent on the USSR for
armaments, have not received the sophisticated weapons available to frontline
Warsaw Pact units or some Arab states-MIG-23 Floggers, medium bombers, or Scud
tactical missiles. The Soviets may wish to avoid antagonizing the US and other
Western Hemisphere nations by delivering weapons which could be interpreted as a
sharp, unwarranted buildup of Cuba's military power. They have not provided
weapons whose capabilities exceed what they consider to be Havana's defense needs.
The cost of the weapons is not a factor for Havana, for the Soviets are believed
to provide Cuba with military equipment at no charge. Thus Moscow can justify
withholding some sophisticated weapon systems.
25X1
Approved For Release 2004/06150VAILRDP79BOO457AO01200 1- 77
 Approved For ReleaO
25X1
25X1
Future Needs. The Cuban force improvement is closely tied to the national
five-year plan and can be expected to continue to 1980 and probably beyond. The
modernization program appears to be diversified, as all three services have been
upgraded in approximate relation to their standing in Havana's military structure.
The Army enjoys priority in acquisition of new equipment, followed by the Air
Force and Navy.
25X1
Cuban forces remain in need of a variety of late-model Soviet weapons to
continue their modernization. For example, the Army could use a new armored
personnel carrier such as the BMP to replace older models. Moreover, the ground
forces still lack a vehicle-mounted SAM :r:c::: f he p::: ld tEastern European
f r
\t he it y r c iv
advanced fighter than the MIG-21 to diversify its combat capabilities.
25X1
SRE)MR
b~lse&dA-RDP79B00457A00122
Approved For Release 2004/06 I 7
 Approved For Release 2004/06/24: CIA-RDP79B00457AO01200050001-5
 STAT Approved For Release 2004/06/24: CIA-RDP79B00457AO01200050001-5
Next 4 Page(s) In Document Exempt
Approved For Release 2004/06/24: CIA-RDP79B00457AO01200050001-5