Joint Task Force Bravo Aircraft Deploy to Panama: PANAMAX 2026

The National Air and Naval Service (SENAN) reported that, as part of bilateral cooperation activities between Panama and the United States, aircraft from Joint Task Force-Bravo (JTF-Bravo) of U.S. Southern Command are currently stationed in Panama. These aircraft will participate in planned training activities, humanitarian aid operations, and the PANAMAX 2026 Multinational Exercise.

Currently, six aircraft are in Panama (five UH-60/HH-60 Black Hawks and one CH-47 Chinook), and the arrival of five additional units (three UH-60 Black Hawks and two CH-47 Chinooks) is expected. Some of these aircraft are supporting jungle survival training taking place at the Admiral Cristóbal Colón Naval Air Base from July 18 to August 2, 2026, with the participation of specialized units from the Naval Air Service, the National Police, and the National Border Service (Senafront), along with U.S. Marines.

The aircraft will remain in the country until August 17 to participate in the PANAMAX 2026 Multinational Exercise. According to the institution, this exercise and the training activities aim to strengthen the operational capabilities of state security forces for the protection of the Panama Canal and national interests. The state entity emphasized that all these actions are being carried out in strict respect for national sovereignty.