Panama will host a major bilateral security training program from January 12 to February 26. The exercise involves specialized units from three Panamanian security forces and approximately 50 United States Marines.
The official announcement came from Panama’s National Aeronaval Service. Training will occur at two key military installations: the Jungle School at the Admiral Cristobal Colon Aeronaval Base and the Marine Infantry facilities at the Captain of Frigate Noel Antonio Rodriguez Justavino Naval Base. This six-week program aims to enhance the tactical and operational readiness of Panamanian forces through direct collaboration with U.S. personnel.
Bilateral Cooperation Focuses on Strategic Readiness
Authorities framed the training as a continuation of long-standing security cooperation. The goal is strengthening the technical and operational capacities of Panama’s security institutions. A total of 61 specialized units from the National Aeronaval Service (SENAN), the National Police, and the National Border Service (SENAFRONT) are participating.
“This training is part of the bilateral cooperation between Panama and the United States,” stated an official release from the servicio nacional aeronaval. “It aims to strengthen the technical, tactical, and operational capabilities of the Panamanian security forces.” [Translated from Spanish]
Exercises are designed to improve interoperability and professional preparedness. They focus on building a robust response capability for diverse operational scenarios. This joint effort complements larger regional exercises, such as PANAMAX, which concentrate on protecting vital infrastructure.
Training Protects Vital National Interests
Officials directly linked the program’s objectives to Panama’s most critical assets. A primary stated focus is the defense of the Panama Canal and other strategic national interests. The training contributes to the broader reinforcement of national security, according to government statements.
All activities will be conducted with strict respect for national sovereignty. Operations must comply with Panamanian law and existing cooperation agreements. This assurance addresses public and political sensitivities regarding foreign military presence. The United States Southern Command is the U.S. military entity coordinating the Marine participation.
The deployment supports ongoing professionalization efforts within Panama’s security forces. It follows other recent initiatives, like the servicio nacional led Operation Steel Shield in the Darien region. Such programs aim to create a more integrated and effective national security apparatus.
“The activities are oriented toward improving interoperability, professional preparation, and response capacity for different operational scenarios,” the Aeronaval Service noted. [Translated from Spanish]
This joint training represents a tangible investment in regional security partnership. It provides hands-on experience in complex environments for both nations’ personnel. For Panama’s nacional aeronaval and other forces, it is an opportunity to adopt and adapt advanced techniques.
The program’s scheduled conclusion in late February will be followed by standard after-action assessments. Both countries are expected to evaluate the training’s effectiveness for future planning. These recurring engagements form a cornerstone of the two nations’ defense relationship, continuously adapting to evolving security challenges in the hemisphere.