The Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) has highlighted the importance of strengthening the country's military and civilian defence preparations during the nationwide Strategic Exercise “Moncada 2026”, held on November 4–5, under the slogan that preparing for war is the beginning of victory.
Communist Party of Cuba Organizes Nationwide Military Exercise
In an article published on November 4, the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) reported on President Miguel DĂaz-Canel's participation in a meeting of the Provincial Defence Council in Artemisa, where he called for strengthening the country's territorial defence system and improving the preparedness of military and civilian leadership structures to confront any possible aggression.
Gladys MartĂnez Verdecia, member of the Political Bureau and first secretary of PCC in Artemisa, emphasized the importance of maintaining a state of readiness amid what she described as difficult circumstances.
“Preparing ourselves for war, because it is the best way we have to win it,” she stated.
The exercise aims to strengthen coordination between command structures, the armed forces, territorial defence organizations and the economy at every level. In Artemisa alone, it involved 68 Defence Zones, 11 Municipal Defence Councils and ten enterprises and institutions operating at national, provincial and municipal levels.
Defence preparations extend across civilian life
DĂaz-Canel stressed that territorial defence structures must be capable of operating autonomously and making decisions in the face of a possible military aggression. He also underlined the importance of maintaining economic production and ensuring that essential activities continue under wartime conditions.
Particular attention was given to food production and the protection of the population. Calling for the maximum use of available agricultural land, DĂaz-Canel stated: “Here we must search every metre, so that people can plant something.”
He also addressed problems affecting everyday life, including water supplies, insisting on the need to find solutions and ensure that the population is protected.
The exercise extended beyond Artemisa. In Santiago de Cuba, preparations included military defence operations involving artillery, armoured vehicles and air-defence units, alongside the participation of territorial defence forces. Health institutions also evaluated their ability to maintain essential medical services, medicines and supplies under wartime conditions.
In Villa Clara, authorities activated municipal and territorial defence councils, production and defence brigades, and units responsible for maintaining economic production during wartime.
Strengthening the doctrine of People's War
The exercise forms part of Cuba's doctrine of “People's War”, which seeks to involve the entire population, military structures and civilian institutions in defending the country against external aggression.
Cuban authorities described the preparations as increasingly necessary in response to mounting pressure from the United States. The exercise also included training for unconventional warfare scenarios and testing the coordination and response capabilities of territorial defence structures.
Following the two-day exercise, November 6 was designated as National Defence Day, with further practical activities and defensive preparations taking place throughout the country.