BUENOS AIRES — April 25, 2026 : Argentine President Javier Milei has issued an emergency decree authorizing the United States Navy’s Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN-68) to enter Argentina’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) to conduct joint naval exercises, marking a significant step in bilateral defense cooperation and a notable procedural bypass of congressional approval.
The decree, numbered 264/2026 and signed on April 17, permits the carrier and its accompanying vessels—including the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Gridley (DDG-101)—to carry out Passing Exercises (PASSEX) with the Argentine Navy between April 26 and April 30. The authorization was issued while Argentina’s Congress was not in session, allowing the executive branch to proceed without legislative debate, which is typically required for foreign military deployments in national territory.
Southern Seas 2026 Deployment and Regional Engagement
The deployment forms part of the United States Southern Command-led Southern Seas 2026 initiative, a regional maritime engagement designed to enhance interoperability and strengthen security partnerships across Latin America and the Caribbean. In addition to Argentina, planned engagements include naval forces from Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Uruguay. Port visits are scheduled in Brazil, Chile, Panama, and Jamaica.
The exercises with Argentina are expected to follow the format of the established “Gringo-Gaucho” bilateral training series, focusing on coordinated flight operations, tactical maneuvers, and professional exchanges. This will be the first instance of a U.S. supercarrier operating in Argentine waters under the Milei administration.
Timing Coincides with Falklands Diplomatic Developments
The authorization comes amid renewed diplomatic attention surrounding the sovereignty dispute over the Falkland Islands (Malvinas). A report by Reuters on April 24 cited a leaked internal Pentagon communication outlining policy options under consideration by the U.S. administration of Donald Trump. The document suggested a potential reassessment of Washington’s diplomatic stance toward certain European “imperial possessions,” explicitly referencing the Falkland Islands.
While the memo does not propose changes to existing U.S. basing arrangements or NATO commitments, it reflects ongoing internal deliberations linked to broader tensions with allied countries over their level of support during recent U.S. military operations against Iran.
The United States has historically maintained a neutral position on the Falklands sovereignty dispute while recognizing the United Kingdom’s de facto administration. During the Falklands War, the administration of Ronald Reagan initially pursued diplomatic mediation led by Secretary of State Alexander Haig before ultimately providing logistical and intelligence support to the United Kingdom following the breakdown of negotiations.
Argentina Reaffirms Sovereignty Claim
In recent statements, President Milei reiterated Argentina’s long-standing claim over the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, South Sandwich Islands, and surrounding maritime areas, describing them as territories “illegally occupied” by the United Kingdom since 1833. He emphasized that the issue remains non-negotiable while underscoring a diplomatic approach.
On April 24, Milei stated that his government is “doing everything humanly possible” to secure the return of the islands and indicated that “unprecedented progress” has been made in advancing Argentina’s position internationally.
The United Kingdom has maintained that sovereignty over the islands is determined by the principle of self-determination. In a 2013 referendum, 99.8 percent of Falkland Islands residents voted to remain a British Overseas Territory. A spokesperson for Downing Street reaffirmed on April 24 that the UK’s position remains unchanged.
Strategic Context and Military Cooperation
The arrival of USS Nimitz also reflects broader shifts in defense alignment between Buenos Aires and Washington. The Milei administration has moved to deepen military and political ties with the United States, with the carrier deployment representing a high-visibility component of that cooperation.
The USS Nimitz, one of the longest-serving carriers in the U.S. fleet, is currently on what is expected to be its final operational deployment before decommissioning. The vessel departed Naval Base Kitsap–Bremerton in March 2026 and is scheduled to circumnavigate South America before returning to Naval Station Norfolk.
Southern Seas 2026 activities include flight operations, joint maritime drills, and engagements with regional partners and defense officials. However, neither government has released detailed information regarding the specific scope of PASSEX activities or the number of Argentine naval assets involved.
Broader Diplomatic and Strategic Implications
The timing of the exercises coincides with reported tensions between Washington and London related to allied military cooperation during recent Middle East operations. According to the leaked Pentagon communication, policy discussions include potential diplomatic measures aimed at allies perceived as offering limited operational support.
One reported development includes U.S. approval for Argentina to proceed with acquiring F-16 fighter aircraft from Denmark, a move that effectively bypasses longstanding British restrictions on Argentine military modernization linked to the Falklands dispute.
Analysts note that while no formal shift in U.S. policy toward the Falklands has been announced, the combination of increased military engagement with Argentina and internal policy reviews suggests a more fluid diplomatic environment surrounding the issue.
For Argentina, the emergency decree enabling the USS Nimitz deployment highlights a willingness to accelerate defense cooperation with the United States, even outside traditional legislative processes. The broader diplomatic context, particularly regarding the Falklands, remains under active discussion among the involved parties.
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