The U.S. government has warned the group that it will seize any ship that violates Cuban air space or territorial waters.

CNN: Cuban exile group to go ahead with memorial for pilots

He said any employment protection would also affect those residents of the island who serve with the reserves for the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force and the national Territorial Army units, which are separate to the island's squadron.

BBC: Jersey Territorial Army reservists 'need job protection'

China has long recognised that it needs a modern navy, capable of patrolling far from its own shores, and an air force able to defend its far-flung territorial claims.

ECONOMIST: Smaller forces, bigger punch