In the past few years, cooperation between El Salvador and the United has evolved into a sophisticated, high-tech alliance that has become a fundamental pillar for strengthening security in the region. Through technical exchanges, joint programs, and the integration of state-of-the-art technology, both nations have coordinated efforts to combat transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) while strengthening institutional capacities.
Strategic pillar against transnational threats
The complexity of modern TCOs requires a response that transcends borders. Dr. Ricardo Sosa, a prominent Salvadoran criminologist and security expert, emphasizes that this partnership is a natural strategic alignment.
“Military cooperation between Central American countries and the United States has become an indispensable strategic pillar for containing threats that far exceed the isolated capabilities of any single state,” Sosa told Diálogo. “Criminal organizations operate on a regional scale, and this transnational nature forces us to abandon purely national approaches and move toward coordinated regional security strategies.”
Tangible results: Protection against drug trafficking
One of the most visible pieces of evidence of this partnership’s success lies at sea. Under its 2025 Territorial Control Plan, El Salvador’s Ministry of Defense has effectively declared the country “protected against international narcotrafficking.”
The Salvadoran Navy, through its Trident Naval Task Force, has become the gold standard for maritime interdiction. In 2025, the Force carried out 16 high-stakes operations on the high seas that resulted in the seizure of more than 22 tons of drugs. This unit, which has received fundamental support from the United States, is now internationally recognized for its ability to intercept low-profile vessels (LPVs) more than 1,150 nautical miles from their coast.
Salvadoran Minister of Defense Vice Admiral René Merino noted that 2025 was the most efficient year in the nation’s history. “We managed to exceed the amount of drugs seized in 2024 by nearly 8 tons,” he told daily El Salvador. “In total, 25 tons of all types of drugs were seized as the year ended, most of it was cocaine on the high seas.”
Innovation: FLEX 2025
The partnership reached a new technological frontier in May 2025 with the Fleet Experimentation (FLEX) 2025 event. Hosted at the Cooperative Security Location (CSL) in Comalapa, this was the first time the U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet conducted its Hybrid Fleet exercises outside the United States.
The primary objective of FLEX 2025 was to operationalize advanced technology specifically for the fight against transnational narcotrafficking. The exercise saw the seamless integration of manned assets with cutting-edge unmanned systems. By using AI-driven data fusion, Salvadoran and U.S. forces were able to share a common operating picture in real-time. This allowed the Trident Naval Task Force to locate, track, and intercept smuggling vessels at ranges previously impossible for regional navies, significantly reducing crew fatigue and increasing the success rate of high-seas interdictions.
Investing in tactical infrastructure
The partnership extends to the STORM coastal group, an elite arm of the National Civil Police (PNC) Anti-Narcotics Division. In December, the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) transferred essential tactical equipment to this unit. This included inflatable boats designed for shallow-water pursuit, outboard motors, and pickup trucks to ensure 24/7 readiness.
The integration of TruNarc devices is also supporting field operations, as these handheld laser tools allow officers to rapidly identify suspicious substances, the U.S. Embassy indicated.
“It’s clear that the equipment we recently transferred to the specialized Salvadoran unit is being used to ensure greater security for the entire region,” The U.S. Embassy said via X.
Technological innovation and infrastructure for security
Beyond field equipment, the partnership has fortified the digital frontier through components that according to Sosa represent a qualitative leap in cooperation. A central pillar of this progress was the Comalapa Regional Monitoring Center, operating out of the CSL. In 2025, this facility transitioned from a traditional surveillance site into a high-speed intelligence hub, providing the 24/7 intelligence sharing necessary to feed directly into interdiction missions. Simultaneously, the implementation of advanced biometric software has strengthened border and customs control. These tools enable the detection of terrorists, gang members, and human trafficking networks before they enter or leave the country.
To counter the technological evolution of organized crime, the International Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) in San Salvador remains a cornerstone of the alliance. In September 2025, ILEA concluded a major International Border Interdiction course led by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Throughout the year, specialized training was also provided by the U.S. Secret Service to build capacity in identifying cybercrime patterns and financial fraud, ensuring that Salvadoran officers remain ahead of criminal innovation.
Global projection
As part of this regional vision, in late 2025, the U.S. government transferred two UH-1N Twin Huey helicopters to the Salvadoran Air Force to support their contingent in Haiti. These aircraft are specifically dedicated to medical and casualty evacuation operations within the Gang Suppression Force (GSF), demonstrating El Salvador’s commitment to global stability.
Prior to this, El Salvador’s commitment to regional security was also highlighted in August when it hosted the 19th edition of U.S. Southern Command- (SOUTHCOM) sponsored exercise Fuerzas Comando. The elite competition brought special operations teams from 16 nations to El Salvador. By hosting and placing in the top tier of the competition, El Salvador demonstrated that its military is among the most professional and capable in the hemisphere.
This international cooperation role was further established in June 2025, with the opening of the Peace Operations Training Center (CEOPAZ). Built with a $3 million investment at the Salvadoran Armed Forces Engineering Command, the center serves to prepare Salvadoran service members for U.N.-led international peacekeeping missions, strengthening the country’s capacity to contribute to global peace efforts.
As 2026 gets underway, this cooperation is only deepening. El Salvador’s participation in the inaugural Americas Counter-Cartel Conference in early March reflects its growing role in shaping regional strategies alongside SOUTHCOM and partner nations. At the operational level, ongoing coordinated maritime efforts — within a broader regional interdiction architecture — continue to generate significant drug seizures in the Eastern Pacific. This momentum will be further demonstrated in April, when El Salvador hosts CENTAM Guardian, underscoring the expansion of cooperation into multi-domain operations.
Strategic necessity for the future
As Sosa concludes, this enduring military cooperation between Central America, El Salvador, and the United States is a vital pillar of regional stability, ensuring a united and proactive front in safeguarding shared borders and communities.
He stressed that making the most of military capabilities in discipline, technology, intelligence, and strategic leadership is essential to “ensure effective operations, preserve democratic governance, and move toward sustainable regional security.”
