What capabilities has the US deployed in the Caribbean and South America to engage “drug boats”?
Two MV-22B Ospreys conduct flight operations in the Caribbean from the USS Iwo Jima. (Photo: US Navy)
The US arsenal includes amphibious assault and littoral combat ships, cutters, destroyers, landing platform docks, a nuclear-powered fast attack submarine, drones, ISR aircraft, helicopters and fighters.
The Pentagon has been increasing the US presence in the Caribbean and South American waters to engage what the Trump administration considers “drug boats”. A Joint Task Force (JTF) was established in October to conduct counter-narcotics operations in the US Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) area of responsibility (AOR).
The JTF has been using multiple surface, underwater and aerial capabilities from the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). From the DoD side, US Air Force (USAF) ISR aircraft and US Navy (USN) amphibious assault vessels, destroyers, littoral combat ships, helicopters and patrol aircraft are deployed in the
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![From Chokepoints to the Deep: ASELSAN’s Naval Vision at EURONAVAL]()
From Chokepoints to the Deep: ASELSAN’s Naval Vision at EURONAVAL
From deployable ship defence to autonomous sea and underwater vehicles, ASELSAN is preparing for a new era of naval security.
-
![Euronaval 2026: by the power of six, Fincantieri’s MMMV reflects modular naval shift]()
Euronaval 2026: by the power of six, Fincantieri’s MMMV reflects modular naval shift
The 50m, six-person ship from the Italian shipbuilder carries swappable, containerised payloads instead of a fixed mission, reflecting a shift that is becoming increasingly evident.
-
![Canada’s submarine availability under pressure as Chicoutimi is unlikely to return to front-line duties]()
Canada’s submarine availability under pressure as Chicoutimi is unlikely to return to front-line duties
HMCS Victoria and HMCS Windsor could return from their current deep maintenance, but unconfirmed operational timelines leave questions over patrol capacity before the first CPSP arrives.
