Panama will host another major joint military training exercise with the United States later this month. The Jungle Warfare School will serve as the primary location for the drills, which are scheduled to run from November 28 to December 18, 2025.
Panama’s National Aeronaval Service, known as Senan, officially confirmed the exercise in a statement released on Friday, November 21. These drills represent a continuing commitment to the longstanding security cooperation agreements between the two nations. The program aims to significantly enhance the tactical readiness of Panama’s specialized security units.
“These trainings form part of the bilateral cooperation agreements between both countries in matters of security,” [Translated from Spanish] the Senan statement said.
Participants will engage in intensive training at two key Panamanian military installations. The exercises are scheduled for the Admiral Cristobal Colon Aeronaval Base and the Captain de Fragata Noe Antonio Rodriguez Justavino Naval Base. Coordination for the event is being managed jointly with the United States Marine Corps.
Strengthening Panama’s Security Forces
This collaborative effort has a clear and focused objective. Officials state the mission is designed to strengthen the tactical and operational capabilities of specialized Senan personnel. The training will also include members of the National Police and the National Border Service, known as servicio nacional.
Optimizing their core functions and reinforcing the protection of national interests remains a top priority. This initiative is part of a broader bilateral entre strategy to address complex regional security challenges. The program will be conducted with strict respect for Panamanian sovereignty, according to the official release.
US Military Assets Arrive in Panama
The logistical deployment for the exercises is already underway. Three United States military aircraft arrived in Panama on the same day the announcement was made. The fleet includes two Black Hawk helicopters and one larger Chinook helicopter.
These assets belong to Joint Task Force Bravo, a component of US Southern Command. Their arrival marks a critical step in integrating the US military contingent into the upcoming mission. The aircraft will support various mobility and logistical requirements throughout the three-week training period.
This joint exercise underscores the active defense relationship between Panama and the United States. It provides a valuable opportunity for forces to train together in a demanding tropical environment. The skills honed at the Jungle Warfare School are particularly relevant for operations in Panama’s diverse terrain.
For the National Aeronaval Service, this represents a chance to advance its operational expertise. The training is expected to have a direct impact on the effectiveness of Panama’s multi-agency security operations. These operations often target transnational criminal organizations that operate in border regions.