PANAMAX 2026 Ends With Live Operations for the First Time Since 2012
PANAMA CITY, August 14, 2026 – PANAMAX 2026 concluded in Panama, marking the first time since 2012 that the multinational exercise has been held in person and with practical operations on the ground, according to the United States Embassy in Panama as reported by Metro Libre.
From August 3 to 13, the United States, Panama and 17 other partner nations carried out maritime manoeuvres, small boat operations, search and seizure training, cyber defence, air assault missions and special operations exercises.
The manoeuvres focused on protecting critical Panama Canal infrastructure, strengthening regional readiness and building joint capabilities to confront and dismantle shared threats in the western hemisphere.
Over the 11 days of training, multiple tactical deployments and cooperation exchanges took place across the country.
US Ambassador Kevin Marino Cabrera said the exercise demonstrated what could be achieved when the United States, Panama and partners train toward a common objective, and said PANAMAX had moved from a planning exercise to real operations.
During the exercise, the ambassador and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth met participants and accompanied President Jose Raul Mulino at the Coalition of the Americas Against Cartels forum held in Panama this week.
Authorities said that alongside the A3C forum the regional mission is to dismantle cartels, seize their resources and eradicate their operating networks.
Why it matters
The exercise ties Canal security directly to the regional anti-cartel agenda now being set out in Panama.
What happens next
Participating countries are expected to build on the joint capabilities tested during the exercise.
