Cuba
Cuban Missile Crisis
In the fall of 1962, there were unconfirmed reports that the Soviets were installing intermediate-range nuclear missiles in Cuba. Imagery from satellites and high flying U-2 airplanes, provided incontrovertible proof that the rumors were true. The resulting confrontation between Soviet Premier Khrushchev and US President John F. Kennedy in October 1962 brought the world to the brink of war.
On 14 October 1962, two USAF U-2 reconnaissance aircraft photographed portions of Cuba and analysis of these photos confirmed that bases were being constructed for intermediate-range missiles within striking distance of the United States. President John F. Kennedy placed the US armed forces on alert for whatever action might be necessary, and USAF U-2 and RF-101 flights over Cuba continued, the latter aircraft sometimes flying at tree-top level.
Sources and Methods
- THE CUBAN MISSILE CRISIS
- Cuban Missile Crisis Excomm Transcripts 18 October 1962
- THE CUBAN MISSILE CRISIS OF 1962: PRESENTING THE PHOTOGRAPHIC EVIDENCE ABROAD - by Sherman Kent, Studies in Intelligence Spring 1972.
Havana SA-2 antiaircraft site 26 Aug 62 |
Sagua La Grande MRBM Site 1 23 Oct 62 |
Sagua La Grande MRBM Site 1 01 Nov 62 |
Sagua La Grande MRBM Site 1 18 Jan 63 |
Sagua La Grande MRBM Site 2 18 Jan 63 |
San Cristobal MRBM Site 1 25 Oct 62 |
San Cristobal MRBM Site 1 01 Nov 62 |
San Cristobal MRBM Site 1 27 Jan 63 |
San Cristobal MRBM Site 2 27 Oct 62 |
San Cristobal MRBM Site 2 01 Nov 62 |
San Cristobal MRBM Site 3 01 Nov 62 |
San Cristobal MRBM Site 4 29 Oct 62 |
Guanajay IRBM Launch Site 1 |
Guanajay IRBM Launch Site 2 01 Nov 62 |
Guanajay IRBM Launch Site 2 27 Jan 63 |
Remedios IRBM Launch Site 3 |
San Julian airfield 15 Nov 62 |
San Julian airfield & SAM site 25 Nov 62 |
Soviet Presence - 1980s
San Julian Airfield |
Western Cuba airfield |
San Antonio de los Banos Airfield |
Managua Soviet-style facilities |
Lourdes Central SIGINT Complex |
NEWSLETTER
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