How the US plans to regain Latin American defence markets from Russia and China
Defence systems and materials that China has donated to Peru. (Photo: Peruvian MoD)
Currently, 13 Latin American states operate Russian military hardware,, while 12 are equipped with Chinese weapon systems.
Growing Chinese and Russian interest in Latin America is a clear concern for US policymakers, and has been pushing the country toward seeking strategies to reduce their influence in defence markets in the region.
Washington has been working to facilitate acquisition of US-made military equipment and offer additional support and training.
The country is also supporting states in the region in donating their Russian systems to Ukraine and replacing them with US technologies.
Shephard Defence Insight notes that, currently, 13 Latin American states operate significant Russian systems, and 12 are equipped with Chinese equipment (see maps below).
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