President Visits Passex 2026 Naval Exercises in South Atlantic

President Javier Milei participated in joint naval exercises with the United States aboard the USS Nimitz, a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, signaling increased military cooperation between Argentina and the U.S. In the South Atlantic. The exercises, known as PASSEX 2026, took place between April 26 and 30 within Argentina’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

Milei’s visit to the USS Nimitz occurred during the final phase of PASSEX 2026, according to reporting from Aviacionline. The exercises are part of the U.S. 4th Fleet’s “Southern Seas 2026” deployment, aimed at enhancing interoperability and joint training between the two navies. The Argentine Defence Ministry announced on Tuesday that the drills involved search-and-rescue, defence, and attack maneuvers.

The USS Nimitz and the destroyer USS Gridley were authorized to enter Argentine waters earlier this month by presidential decree. The Argentine Navy participated with destroyers ARA La Argentina and ARA Sarandí, corvettes ARA Rosales and ARA Robinson, offshore patrol vessels ARA Piedrabuena and ARA Contraalmirante Cordero, and naval aviation assets. Operations included demonstrations with F/A-18 fighter jets and MH-60 Seahawk and Sea King helicopters, as well as a P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft.

According to the Buenos Aires Times, the exercises are considered among the most significant joint operations in decades. Officials have stated that the drills aim to improve tactical coordination and standardized procedures between the Argentine and U.S. Militaries. Milei traveled to Mar del Plata on Thursday to observe the exercises directly.

The participation of both vessels followed the USS Nimitz’s passage through the Strait of Magellan and subsequent operation in the Argentine Sea over the weekend. Milei traveled aboard a U.S. Grumman C-2 Greyhound transport aircraft operating to and from the USS Nimitz’s deck.

The exercises are conducted within the framework of “Passex 2026,” a standard operation that occurs when a foreign warship transits Argentina’s coastline. The drills included communications exercises, tactical maneuvering, and air defense operations, generally off the coasts of Mar del Plata and Necochea.

The authorization for U.S. Military activities in Argentine waters was formalized through Decree 264/2026, a move that has generated political debate due to bypassing the usual legislative process, as reported by Aviacionline.