Argentina and the United States are moving forward with the planning of the combined exercise Atlantic Dagger, a new instance of military cooperation that will bring together special operations units from both countries next April. Under the coordination of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Armed Forces (EMCO) and the Joint Special Operations Command (CCOE), the activity is shaping up to be one of the most significant in recent years in terms of joint deployment and training.
Atlantic Dagger will be a Special Operations Forces (SOF) exercise, designed to strengthen interoperability between Argentine and U.S. command units. It is worth noting that the bilateral agreement was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding signed in March 2025 between Argentina’s CCOE and the U.S. Special Operations Command South. This document lays the groundwork for a joint training program that includes expert exchanges, the development of common procedures, and combined exercises.
U.S. forces have confirmed the participation of prominent units such as the Army’s Green Berets, the Air Force Special Operations Command, and elements of the Marine Special Operations Command (MARSOC). On the Argentine side, although the participating units have not been officially announced, the involvement of the Army’s Commando Companies (601, 602, and 603), the 601st Special Forces Company, the 601st Special Operations Forces Support Company, the Air Force’s Special Operations Group (GOE), and the Navy’s Tactical Divers and Amphibious Commandos units is expected.
These types of exercises, which had declined since the 2000s, will help restore operational interaction with one of the world’s most experienced armed forces. U.S. units, considered part of the global elite in special operations and with extensive real-world mission experience, will contribute expertise in counterterrorism, hostage rescue, and unconventional warfare, while Argentine personnel will further strengthen their ability to adapt and respond jointly.
Although the operational locations remain classified, Atlantic Dagger is expected to include continental and southern scenarios, in line with the multidomain exercises conducted by EMCO in Patagonia during 2024. This new meeting between Argentine and U.S. special operations commands reaffirms the CCOE’s role as a hub for operational integration and consolidates a partnership aimed at expanding further toward 2027.
Images used for illustrative purposes.
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