The U.S. Southern Command- (SOUTHCOM) sponsored Central American Security Conference (CENTSEC) is an opportunity for defense and security leaders to strengthen ties of cooperation, engage in open dialogue on common issues, assess regional challenges, share successes and lessons learned, and explore ways to improve security together, building on the successes of previous security conferences.
One year on from CENTSEC 2024, countries of the region have strengthened their defense and security cooperation. Hosted in Guatemala, the last event promoted new strategies for border control and the fight against transnational crime, which are now bearing fruits.
“Meetings like CENTSEC are fundamental for strengthening regional security,” Euclides Tapia, professor of International Relations at the University of Panama, told Diálogo. “Holding them periodically is strategically necessary to strengthen security forces.”
Consolidated as a key regional security forum, CENTSEC yearly brings together Central American and U.S. leaders to coordinate efforts against common threats, highlighting a shared commitment to peace and stability. In a global environment of growing uncertainty, cooperation and dialogue among partner nations is crucial to guarantee stability and security in the region.
“The exchange of experiences and closer ties with SOUTHCOM, thanks to the conferences, significantly enhance our capabilities,” Tapia said. “The collaboration allows us to access advanced knowledge and strategies, strengthening early warnings and prevention of emerging threats.”
The commitment to work together made during the last CENTSECs to improve cooperation among participating nations and SOUTHCOM have been taking shape with training, exercises, and exchanges, as well as donations of materials and equipment, among others.
Cybersecurity and counternarcotics in Costa Rica and the region
Cybersecurity plays a crucial role in modern defense and has become an important topic in recent security conferences. While cyber threats have been rampant worldwide, they are growing faster in Latin America, with attacks surging 53 percent year-over-year, cybersecurity news site Dark Reading reported.
In mid-December 2024, for instance, the Costa Rican government, with U.S. support, carried out a comprehensive cybersecurity review to strengthen the country’s critical infrastructure. This review revealed that China-based malicious actors had infiltrated the Central American country’s telecommunications and technology networks.
SOUTHCOM cybersecurity specialists have been collaborating with other partner nations in the region to assess and strengthen their cyber defense, including with El Salvador, Guatemala, and Panama, among others. For instance, SOUTHCOM signed a Cyber Cooperation Arrangement with the Panama Canal Authority to identify areas for enhanced bilateral cyber cooperation on February 20.
Technical collaboration between Costa Rica and SOUTHCOM also increased in another sector throughout 2024, benefiting port security and the fight against narcotrafficking. In November, the Costa Rican government received two of the four 4D scanners, valued at some $20 million, as part of a cooperation package announced in March 2024, to inspect cargo passing through the country’s ports and strengthen customs control and operations against narcotrafficking.
Interoperability in Guatemala
Throughout 2024, Guatemala and the United States have kept strengthening cooperation, reiterating their commitment to jointly address regional challenges, such as countering transnational security threats and stopping illegal migration to make the region safer, stronger, and more prosperous.
In October, the United States donated vehicle, boat, and aircraft parts; communication equipment; and personal protective equipment to the Guatemalan Army as part of a larger $24 million security assistance package. The donation also included the delivery of a coastal patrol boat to the Guatemalan Navy to support anti-drug operations in the Pacific and allow Guatemala to patrol all of its coastal territory for the first time in its history. This cooperation seeks to strengthen the country’s capabilities to combat organized crime and strengthen border surveillance and humanitarian aid.
In February 2025, U.S. State Secretary Marco Rubio discussed with Guatemala’s President Bernardo Arevalo the United States’ willingness to support Guatemala to modernize its critical infrastructure as a means for promoting the country’s prosperity and security. Later that month, representatives from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) visited Guatemala to assess a potential expansion and modernization plan for the country’s primary Pacific port and railways, as well as other critical infrastructure.
In May 2025, Guatemala will host annual, multinational exercise CENTAM Guardian, a SOUTHCOM-sponsored event, bringing together Central American partner nations to strengthen interoperability and build humanitarian assistance and disaster response capabilities. The exercise is designed to enhance coordinated response between U.S. and Central American security forces, as timely arrival of humanitarian assistance can make the difference between life and death for many communities during natural disasters.
Support for Belize and El Salvador
Belize and the United States are continuing to work as partners to strengthen border security and counter transnational crime. As part of security cooperation, the United States delivered a Cessna Grand Caravan EX aircraft, valued at $7.8 million, to the Belize Defence Force (BDF). The aircraft, donated in 2023 and equipped with infrared sensors, data link, and tactical radios, has been enabling Belize to improve its maritime surveillance capabilities, The Defense Post reported. SOUTHCOM is also providing ongoing support and maintenance for the aircraft.
A year prior, the Unite States donated five military trucks to the BDF through the FMF program, valued at $625,000, The San Pedro Sun reported. This delivery, has strengthened the BDF’s capacity to transport troops and supplies, respond to natural disasters, and participate in international military exercises. Additional pickup trucks are expected to be delivered later this year.
As a testament to its commitment to regional cooperation and brotherhood among forces, in May, El Salvador will host the yearly SOUTHCOM-sponsored Fuerzas Comando competition. The Special Operations event, which brings together military and police participants from throughout Latin America, seeks to promote military relationships, increase training knowledge, and improve collaboration to better face common threats.
Among the ongoing projects to support the Salvadoran Navy’s operational readiness and counternarcotics operations, SOUTHCOM teams are evaluating repairs at a pier of La Unión Naval Base.
Marines from U.S. Marine Corps Forces, South have also strengthened the capabilities of the Salvadoran Armed Forces through subject matter expert exchanges in combat lifesaving tactics, techniques, and procedures; and the basic of medical logistics planning in hostile environments.
Robust cooperation
Extensive training, operational support, and other security initiatives were on par between Panama and the United States throughout 2024. Cooperation has been robust, including assistance with the development of the old Fort Sherman in Colón as a base for the National Air and Naval Service (SENAN), donation of equipment to the National Border Service (SENAFRONT) in support of border security in the Darién Gap, and pier improvement in Colón, among others.
Joint Task Force Bravo, under SOUTHCOM, is already on site to conduct the yearly exercise PANAMAX Alpha, in coordination with Panamanian security forces, to practice coordination and response to a natural disaster or emergency and defend the Panama Canal.
Demonstrating its commitment to regional security, Panama will host CENTSEC 2025 in April, to build and strengthen partnerships. For Tapia, “Panama must remain at the forefront of defense and protection in the region,” he said.
“CENTSEC reflects the U.S. commitment to security in Central America,” Tapia added. “Through the strengthening of defense capabilities, modernization of infrastructure, and collaboration on security strategies, the region is moving toward greater cooperation in the face of emerging threats.
“Strengthening regional security depends on the exchange of experiences and strategies. This upcoming Central American Security Conference will be key to anticipating threats and ensuring that our countries remain aligned in the face of emerging challenges,” Tapia concluded.
