Panama City, Panama – Joint military exercises between the United States and Panama commenced Monday, with the stated goal of safeguarding the Panama Canal. Approximately 50 members of the U.S. Marine Corps are participating alongside Panamanian National Security units in the drills, which are scheduled to continue until February 26th.
According to a statement released by the Panamanian Ministry of Security, the joint training program aims to “improve the ability to respond to operational scenarios.” The exercises will involve 61 specialized naval and air units, border police, and the contingent of U.S. Marines.
The commencement of these exercises follows a period of heightened tensions between the two countries. Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino announced on January 2nd that a crisis with the United States had ended, referring to a 2025 threat by then-U.S. President Donald Trump to reclaim control of the canal, alleging Chinese influence. Mulino stated that the matter had been resolved through diplomatic channels and mutual understanding.
These exercises are taking place against a backdrop of increased U.S. military activity in the Caribbean. The United States has deployed a fleet of warships to the region, citing efforts to combat drug trafficking. However, some regional actors have viewed the deployment with suspicion.
The U.S. military presence in Panama has been a subject of ongoing debate. In April 2025, the United States and Panama signed a cooperation agreement allowing the deployment of U.S. forces around the canal and granting Washington access to air and naval bases for “training” purposes, with Panamanian consent. This agreement was reportedly the result of pressure exerted by the Trump administration on Panama.
The exercises are expected to focus on enhancing interoperability between U.S. and Panamanian forces and improving security protocols for the critical waterway. The Panama Canal remains a vital artery for global trade, and its security is of paramount importance to both nations.
