In light of the growing strategic competition between the United States and China in Latin America, the U.S. Armed Forces carried out a joint military exercise with Panama specifically focused on the defense of the Panama Canal against potential external threats. The operation, named PANAMAX-Alpha Phase I, took place from July 13 to 18 and was aimed at strengthening preparedness for possible attacks or acts of sabotage on the canal and other strategic infrastructure.
The exercise, led by the Joint Task Force-Bravo of the U.S. Southern Command, reflects Washington’s growing concern over China’s increasing military, political, and economic influence in the region. On this occasion, two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters and one CH-47 Chinook were deployed across three Panamanian air bases. Activities included boarding operations, landings, fast rope insertions, winch rescues, and training on maritime platforms.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has repeatedly warned about China’s expansion in the Western Hemisphere and emphasized the need to strengthen military cooperation in the region. During the 2025 Central America Security Conference, Hegseth stated: “We are expanding military training, increasing education and exchanges, and conducting more robust joint exercises. We are going to increase cooperation to deter threats and strengthen our shared defense.” This statement reinforces the U.S. stance of prioritizing the protection of the Canal, a critical point of global trade that connects the Atlantic with the Pacific and whose security is of strategic importance to Washington.
In parallel with the PANAMAX-Alpha exercise, the U.S. Army deployed personnel from the 25th Infantry Division to Panama to expand bilateral security cooperation. The troops conducted surveys of potential future training centers, shared operational experiences, and developed joint training programs. In this regard, Sergeant Major Jeimie Deras, leader of the Joint Security Cooperation Group in Panama, stated: “Working with our partners during planning is essential, they bring unique experience.” It is worth noting that this deployment was carried out following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding that formalizes the collaboration between both nations in defense matters.
Southern Command, responsible for U.S. military operations in Central America, South America, and the Caribbean, has maintained an active presence in the region for over four decades. Joint Task Force-Bravo, based in Honduras, plays a key role not only in responding to humanitarian emergencies but also in containing transnational threats. The joint exercise in Panama not only strengthens local operational capabilities but also sends a political message of support for the stability and security of the United States’ strategic partners in the region.
In parallel with these maneuvers, the Panamanian government is advancing a process to modernize its air capabilities, which includes the purchase of four A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft from the Brazilian company Embraer and two C-295 tactical transport aircraft from Airbus Defense & Space, for a total value of 187 million dollars. Although the Super Tucano are combat aircraft, Panama clarified that their use will be for patrol and aerial surveillance, especially for combating organized crime and protecting its airspace.
*Image credits: U.S. Department of Defense
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