Defense leaders from across South America will soon gather in Buenos Aires for the South American Defense Conference (SOUTHDEC 25). The U.S. Southern Command- (SOUTHCOM) sponsored event aims to analyze 21st-century security tools to counter common threats, while serving as a crucial platform for regional leaders to strengthen defense and security cooperation and engage in open dialogue.
“In recent years, SOUTHCOM has reinforced its interest in the region and in Argentina with courses, conferences, and training, in order to have opportunities for cooperation in coordination and interoperability for the security of the Americas,” Argentine defense and security consultant José Javier Díaz told Diálogo.
A year after the last SOUTHDEC in Santiago, Chile, South American nations have bolstered their defense and security cooperation. The previous conference contributed to this progress, highlighting the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning into defense and security functions, as well as the importance of a Common Space Operational Picture using Enhanced Domain Awareness.
Strengthening regional partnerships
In recent months, U.S. Navy Admiral Alvin Holsey, SOUTHCOM commander, has conducted a series of strategic engagements across South America, underscoring the United States’ consistent focus on strengthening partnerships for the region’s stability.
In April, Adm. Holsey visited Argentina to reinforce the strategic alliance and military cooperation. Discussions included the critical role of the Argentine Navy in safeguarding maritime routes vital to global commerce in the country’s extreme south.
“We are going through a period of great harmony and understanding with the United States, with a common agenda that includes security, the economy, defense, and the fight against terrorism,” Argentine Defense Minister Luis Petri said via X. Petri also highlighted their agreement on “deepening military cooperation and consolidating Argentina as a reliable and strategic partner in promoting democracy, stability, and regional development.”
Adm. Holsey also visited Brazil in May, his first trip to the nation as SOUTHCOM commander. Discussions with Brazilian defense leadership focused on enhancing regional security and advancing their robust bilateral defense partnership, including improving military interoperability and sharing best practices in combating transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), reflecting a mutual commitment to a secure and stable South America.
Further emphasizing the importance of key regional allies, Adm. Holsey also visited Chile and Uruguay in June. Talks in Chile centered on expanding defense cooperation in areas like maritime security, disaster response, and cyber defense. His visit to Uruguay involved comprehensive engagements with defense and foreign affairs leadership, reaffirming the commitment to enhancing strategic partnerships, democratic ideals, and addressing common security challenges.
Complex threats: China and transnational crime
Underlying these cooperative efforts is a growing concern about China’s increasing influence in the region. This concern stems from Beijing’s expanding economic footprint, including investments in critical infrastructure like ports and space facilities that can have dual-use military applications. The increasing presence of Chinese state-owned enterprises and its Belt and Road Initiative in South America raises questions about transparency, debt sustainability, and potential long-term strategic leverage. For the U.S. and its partners, these activities prompt discussions on maintaining regional stability, safeguarding sovereign interests, and ensuring freedom of navigation.
In the case of Argentina, Díaz emphasized the importance of collaborating with SOUTHCOM in the South Atlantic “to prevent Chinese interference in the ports of Ushuaia and Río Grande, in Tierra del Fuego province, to counter China’s efforts to establish strategic presence near Antarctica and gain control of the passage between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.”
Simultaneously, the persistent threat posed by TCOs remains a top priority for South American security forces and their regional partners. These sophisticated networks engage in illicit drug trafficking, human smuggling, illegal mining and cyber operations, undermining governance and citizen security.
Across the region, countries have significantly improved their domain awareness capabilities, directly reflecting last year’s SOUTHDEC emphasis on a Common Space Operational Picture. This enhancement is visible in various nations’ efforts to more effectively detect and track illicit activities. For example, Brazil continues to bolster its vast border monitoring systems (SISFRON) with advanced sensors and aerial surveillance, including domestically produced unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for persistent real-time intelligence.
Colombia, a key partner in counternarcotics and regional security, has actively pursued military modernization and technology integration in the past year. This includes substantial investments in cybersecurity and cyber defense resources, evidenced by ongoing efforts within its Joint Cyber Command. For maritime and air surveillance, Colombia formalized the acquisition of advanced Atlante II drone systems in February 2024, intended for long-distance reconnaissance. Colombia has also deepened its engagement in space domain awareness (SDA) initiatives, participating in joint exercises and information-sharing with U.S. Space Command in 2023-2024, to better monitor and understand activities in space impacting national security.
Argentina has focused on improving its air defense and maritime surveillance capabilities, including the recent acquisition of F-16 fighter jets, and is integrating more sophisticated radar systems and information fusion centers. Meanwhile, countries like Uruguay are prioritizing cybersecurity and data analysis tools through recent agreements to combat the digital footprint of TCOs. This regional trend, championed at previous SOUTHDEC conferences, now sees military and security forces more effectively detecting and tracking illicit activities by utilizing advanced sensors, integrated communication systems, and UAS for reconnaissance.
Crucially, the integration of AI and machine learning, topics highlighted at the last SOUTHDEC, helps them process vast amounts of data and identify TCO patterns, underscoring a strong commitment to regional stability.
Outlook for regional security
SOUTHDEC 2025 is poised to be a crucial event for hemispheric security, solidifying the importance of cooperation between South American nations and the United States. As global complexities grow, collaboration on defense, cybersecurity, and regional stability remain paramount to effectively confronting 21st century challenges.
“The reality of our current threats is that they cannot be addressed by one nation,” Adm. Holsey said in early April as he addressed Central American defense leaders. “Together, we’ll bolster our partnerships, increase cooperation, coordination, and interoperability across the conflict spectrum in all domains.”
This sentiment encapsulates the shared mission that will drive discussions at SOUTHDEC 25, as partner nations continue to build a safer and more secure South America.
