The president Javier Milei will travel to Córdoba this Wednesday to witness on the ground the execution phase of the joint military exercise “Atlantic Dagger,” a bilateral initiative involving the Argentine Armed Forces and special operations troops from United States.
This is an operational visit at a key moment in the development of the training authorized by DNU 264/2026.
The president is expected to be accompanied by the Secretary General of the Presidency, Karina Milei; the Chief of Cabinet, Manuel Adorni; and the Minister of Defense, Carlos Presti. The presence of the United States ambassador to Argentina, Peter Lamelas, along with other authorities related to the military deployment, is also anticipated.
The operation has already moved past the planning phase and is currently in full execution on the ground. In this context, it is expected that Stryker armored vehicles will be used, integrated within the military capabilities that Argentina is negotiating with the United States as part of a modernization process for its Armed Forces.
Javier Milei and Carlos Presti
Atlantic Dagger
The exercise “Atlantic Dagger” was authorized to take place between April 21 and June 12 in national territory. The decree allowed the entry of U.S. personnel and equipment to operate at various strategic points: the Naval Base Puerto Belgrano, the Military Garrison Córdoba, and the VII Air Brigade in Moreno.
The activities include special operations and combined joint training. On the Argentine side, units from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and the Joint Special Operations Command are participating.
Meanwhile, the U.S. deployment includes up to 50 personnel, transport aircraft, communication systems, tactical equipment, night vision technology, drones, and combat gear.
However, the exercise has undergone modifications in its initial planning, as the Pentagon reduced both the budget and the number of assigned personnel due to the military offensive against the Iranian regime in the Middle East.
The presidential visit is part of a broader strategy of military alignment with the government of Donald Trump.
Javier Milei and Donald Trump
In recent months, the libertarian administration has advanced various joint initiatives, such as participation in the PASSEX alongside the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz and the destroyer USS Gridley, the signing of agreements in logistics and technology, and the promotion of programs aimed at incorporating maritime patrol capabilities, drones, and anti-drone systems.
The decree that authorized “Atlantic Dagger” also included the authorization of PASSEX, conducted between April 26 and 30 in the Argentine Exclusive Economic Zone. This naval operation focused on communication exercises, tactical maneuvers, air defense, and coordination among forces.
In parallel, Minister Presti held meetings at the Pentagon in March to deepen bilateral cooperation. Key projects discussed included the incorporation of Black Hawk helicopters, the expansion of the Stryker vehicle fleet, the development of the F-16 program, the role of the P-3 Orion, and the strengthening of naval capabilities in the South Atlantic.
The strategic link is also reflected in Argentina's participation in hemispheric security initiatives promoted by the United States.
In this context, Milei attended the Shield of the Americas summit organized by Donald Trump in Miami in March. This policy is part of a strategy of alignment with Western partners and a comprehensive strengthening of the national defense system.
