U.S. Expands Panama Security Cooperation with $6M Drone Delivery to Protect the American Homeland

The following is a Sept. 16, 2026 press release from U.S. Embassy Panama

See this release on U.S. Embassy Panama's web page | En Espanol

Prioritizing U.S. homeland defense and border security, the U.S. Ambassador Kevin Marino Cabrera delivered today four long-range K1000 unmanned aerial system drones-valued at more than $6 million-to Panama's Ministry of Public Security. Funded by the United States Southern Command, this delivery highlights expanded security cooperation between the two nations aimed at halting transnational threats and illegal smuggling routes long before they approach American soil.

The deployment of these advanced drones provides Panama's National Aeronaval Service with the capability to monitor remote borders, safeguard strategic maritime corridors, and dismantle illicit drug trafficking and human smuggling networks. By generating early warnings against foreign terrorist organizations and international criminals, this technology allows for highly effective deterrence efforts at a distance, ensuring threats are intercepted before reaching the United States.

Coinciding with the equipment delivery, a graduation ceremony was held for 10 newly-certified Panamanian drone pilots. The personnel completed a rigorous, U.S.-funded six-week training program led by American manufacturer Kraus Hamdani Aerospace. These operators are now fully equipped to maintain and deploy this critical aviation technology to protect shared interests.

"Under President Trump's leadership, the United States is driving expanded security cooperation with Panama through concrete, results-oriented investments like this K1000 technology," stated U.S. Ambassador to Panama Kevin Marino Cabrera. "By scaling up our joint capabilities on land and at sea, we are aggressively stopping transnational threats at the source and securing the American homeland."