The multinational PANAMAX 2026 exercise reached its halfway point with 19 nations participating in combined operations focused on defense of the Panama Canal, U.S. Southern Command announced Aug. 8.
The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit transited the Panama Canal on Aug. 1 as part of the exercise, which involves maritime, land and air operations simulating defense against a range of threats to canal operations, SOUTHCOM said.
PANAMAX is an annual exercise, but this year’s edition carries elevated significance given the administration’s stated interest in U.S. influence over the canal. President Trump has publicly discussed the strategic importance of the waterway to American commerce and security.
The Panama Canal handles approximately 5 percent of global maritime trade. Any disruption to canal operations would affect supply chains, shipping costs and the price of goods for American consumers.
The 19-nation participation demonstrates the breadth of international commitment to keeping the canal open and secure. No nations were named as simulated adversaries in public releases.
The exercise includes combined operations across multiple domains, testing interoperability among allied and partner forces in the Western Hemisphere. SOUTHCOM oversees U.S. military operations throughout Central and South America and the Caribbean.