In a renewed demonstration of strategic vigilance, the United States Army has commenced joint defense exercises with Panama’s security forces, focusing on safeguarding the Panama Canal — a critical artery of global trade linking the Atlantic and Pacific.
The operation began with the arrival of two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters and a CH-47 Chinook at Panama-Pacific Airport, formerly the site of the U.S. Howard Air Force Base. Conducted under an established bilateral security agreement, these drills allow American forces to engage in military training on Panamanian soil without the establishment of permanent bases, reinforcing mutual trust and strategic cooperation.
According to Panama’s National Aeronaval Service (SENAN), the current phase of joint exercises centers on preparing Panama’s forces to counter a range of emerging threats. These include sabotage, cyber attacks, transnational trafficking, and influence campaigns — all scenarios that could threaten the canal’s integrity. The drills are designed to sharpen rapid response capabilities and reinforce infrastructure resilience against both asymmetric actors and state-sponsored disruptions.
These latest activities follow similar exercises held in June 2025, which featured simulated interdictions and joint deployments near the canal zone. The uptick in military collaboration reflects Washington’s broader effort to fortify regional security under the Defense Partnership for the Americas — a framework aimed at strengthening hemispheric cooperation in response to transnational challenges.
While no country was directly named, defense officials in the U.S. remain watchful of China’s involvement in infrastructure projects and port operations near the canal, warning that such activities could carry dual-use risks. American analysts have voiced concerns that Beijing’s growing commercial presence may serve as a conduit for political leverage or covert intelligence efforts in the region.
The deployment of Black Hawks and Chinooks underscores the U.S. Army’s operational commitment. Both helicopters, designed for tactical mobility and logistical versatility, are ideal for rapid insertion in jungle and maritime environments — reflecting the seriousness with which the U.S. treats the canal’s security.
With these exercises, the U.S. and Panama reaffirm their shared commitment to preserving the neutrality and sovereignty of the Panama Canal — a vital strategic asset whose safety and functionality remain pivotal for international commerce and regional equilibrium.
