The Belize Defence Force is taking delivery of heavy-duty trucks from US stocks. (Photo: US Embassy in Belize)
The defence and security forces of Belize, Guatemala and Panama received vehicles and aircraft from the US throughout October as Washington aims to assist its Central American partners in cracking down on internal and transnational criminal activity.
On 17 October, the US donated one Beechcraft Super King Air 250 maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) to Panama. This will be utilised by Panama’s National Aeronaval Service (SENAN) for surveillance operations to combat illegal fishing, maritime drug trafficking and for SAR missions. Donation of the aircraft, valued at over $12 million, was made via the Office of Defense Cooperation (ODC). The transfer
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Increased drone use in Ukraine and in Middle Eastern conflicts has created a strong impetus to develop laser and radio-frequency firepower as exploration of direct-energy technology intensifies.
The new figure is an increase from US$75.8 billion in 2024 and showcases the country’s focus on its Saudi Vision 2030 to achieve a diversified and sustainable economy, reducing the Kingdom’s dependency on oil.
Financial reporting season for the calendar year of 2024 has continued to show substantial growth for defence companies as countries across the world, particularly those in Europe, open the chequebook.
There has been increased pressure from the second-term Trump administration in the US, as there was in the first term, for increased defence spending from non-US NATO countries, a move which is noted by Europe as already occurring.
Better integration of systems and sensors across the branches will be critical to ensuring deterrence and readiness.
The returning US president also reiterated a commitment to supply the services with “made-in-America” capabilities and to end conflicts worldwide.
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