Panama-U.S. cooperation on security and defense has reached a new level, consolidating a longstanding strategic alliance, key to regional stability. In a region faced with evolving threats, including narcotrafficking, transnational crime, and the interference of the Chinese Communist Party, both countries are committed to continuing their robust collaboration with trainings, knowledge exchanges, and logistics and operational support, among others.
“Panama is a strategic ally of the United States, and it is essential to preserve a strong and cooperative relationship,” national security expert Luis Fleischman, a professor of Sociology and Political Science at Palm Beach State University, told Diálogo. “In addition, both countries have historical trade ties that have strengthened their partnership and development over time.”
Security and protection of the Canal
In mid-March, Panamanian security forces launched phase zero, otherwise known as Operation Mercury (Operación Mercurio), of yearly binational exercise PANAMAX Alpha, carried out with the support of U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), in the defense of the Panama Canal. Teams of SOUTHCOM’s Joint Task Force Bravo (JTF-Bravo) deployed to Panama to support their Panamanian counterparts in this initial phase that focuses on humanitarian aid and bringing support to underserved local communities. The U.S. teams will then participate in phase one and two of PANAMAX Alpha, carried out mid-year, consisting of academic events and live exercises.
In early February, Panama’s Minister of Public Security Frank Alexis Ábrego and U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth reaffirmed their commitment to the defense of the Panama Canal, a strategic asset of global importance, agreeing to expand cooperation between the U.S. military and Panama’s security forces.
The reaffirmation of this alliance and pledges to strengthen collaboration reflect both countries’ ties of friendship and trust, Fleischman said. “Historically, Panama has been a strategic ally of the United States.”
Consolidating security
As part of this strengthening of collaboration, U.S. Navy Admiral Alvin Holsey, SOUTHCOM commander, visited Panama, February 19-20, to consolidate cooperation on regional security. During his visit, Adm. Holsey met with Public Security Minister Ábrego, Foreign Affairs Minister Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez, and Administrator of the Panama Canal Ricaurte Vásquez Morales to discuss the U.S.-Panama security partnership, regional security challenges, as well as collaborative efforts to curb the migration crisis and combat transnational criminal organizations that prey on vulnerable migrants.
As part of efforts to enhance cyber security and guarantee the operational continuity of critical infrastructure, SOUTHCOM and the Panama Canal Authority signed a Cyber Cooperation agreement. SOUTHCOM will collaborate with the Panama Canal to optimize joint cybersecurity efforts with training, information exchange, and technical assistance.
According to the U.S. Embassy in Panama, between 2023 and 2024, the U.S. government provided more than $12 million to the Panamanian security forces to support the Central American country’s security strategy. Among others, in late December 2024, following a firefighting and humanitarian training between JTF-Bravo teams and their Panamanian counterparts, Panamanian authorities unveiled a new fire station in the Darién province, donated through the SOUTHCOM Humanitarian Assistance Program.
In June, the Panama’s National Air and Naval Service (SENAN) strengthened its capabilities with the donation of eight Bell UH-1N Twin Huey helicopters. Months prior, in March, the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) of the U.S. Department of State donated equipment, technology transfer, and capacity building to strengthen the operations of the Public Force, Panama’s Foreign Affairs Ministry indicated.
Border control
As part of its commitment to the fight against narcotrafficking and migrant smuggling, the United States donated more than 60 military vehicles to the National Border Service (SENAFRONT) and SENAN. These resources make it possible to improve surveillance at the borders with Colombia and Costa Rica, critical transit points for transnational crime, Panama’s Foreign Ministry indicated.
Likewise, the United States supported Panama in the installation of biometric systems in the Darién jungle to detect individuals with criminal records and cross-check with international agencies.
In that vein, more recently, in late February, the Missouri National Guard, Panama’s partner under the State Partnership Program of the U.S. Department of Defense, exchanged best practices with SENAFRONT and National Police members, focusing on detainee and jail operations, such as facility management, screening, and control protocols, among other critical areas.
The binational cooperation also saw the creation of the Regional Center for Aeronaval Operations (CROAN), which since its 2021 inception has fought against narcotrafficking by air and sea. This alliance is yielding tangible results. In 2024, Panama seized more than 80 tons of drugs in close coordination with U.S. agencies, Spanish news agency EFE reported.
“It is crucial to strengthen the capacity of Latin American states to exercise control over their territory and prevent organized crime, especially drug cartels, from imposing their rule,” Fleischman said. “Panama, due to its strategic location and control of key areas plays a fundamental role in this equation.”
“Cooperation in military training must be strengthened and expanded to other Latin American allies. However, a key aspect of this collaboration continues to be mutual respect and trust,” Fleischman concluded.
