United States Expands Military Ties With Pakistan And Paraguay

In a world where shifting alliances and evolving threats keep governments on their toes, the United States has been making notable moves to deepen its military partnerships in both South Asia and South America. Over the past year, Washington has ramped up its defense cooperation with Pakistan and Paraguay, signaling a renewed focus on regional security, counterterrorism, and capacity-building efforts that stretch from the rugged terrain of the Hindu Kush to the winding rivers of the Paraguayan borderlands.

On January 16, 2026, Pakistan and the United States concluded the joint military exercise Inspired Gambit-2026, capping off two weeks of intense training at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC). According to a statement by US Central Command (Centcom), the drills focused on honing infantry skills, advanced tactical maneuvers, and counterterrorism operations. The aim? To boost the ability of both armies to respond to the ever-changing security challenges that define the modern era.

This year’s Inspired Gambit marked the 13th time the two nations have run the bilateral training series since its inception in 1995, underscoring the enduring defense relationship between Islamabad and Washington. The exercise, held from January 8 to 16, was not just a display of military prowess; it was also a hands-on effort to enhance mutual trust, operational coordination, and practical cooperation. As Centcom put it, the joint training “further strengthened mutual trust, coordination and practical cooperation between the two armies.”

The importance of this partnership was on full display during the Distinguished Visitors’ Day ceremony at NCTC Pabbi on January 15. US Chargé d’Affaires to Pakistan Natalie Baker, alongside senior American military officials and the Commander Rawalpindi Corps, attended the event. Visitors were briefed on the scope, objectives, and conduct of the exercise, and watched as soldiers from both countries demonstrated a high level of professionalism and operational competence—a performance that drew appreciation from all quarters.

Officials from both sides highlighted that Inspired Gambit-2026 was designed to enhance bilateral military cooperation by exchanging counterterrorism experience, refining drills and procedures, and developing interoperability between Pakistani and US forces. US officials described the exercise as adding a new dimension to defense ties, underlining the value of sustained military-to-military engagement in tackling shared security concerns. The joint training reflects a broader commitment to promoting regional security and stability, especially as both countries face persistent threats from militant groups and transnational crime.

While the US-Pakistan defense partnership is rooted in decades of collaboration, Washington’s attention has also turned southward, where a year of diplomatic and military engagement with Paraguay has yielded significant results. In 2025, Paraguay and the United States signed a memorandum of understanding for the acquisition of defense articles and services. This agreement, according to the Paraguayan Ministry of National Defense, allows Paraguay to acquire US defense articles and services through established security cooperation programs, in line with US laws and regulations.

The memorandum outlines a clear process: Paraguay’s Ministry of Defense submits letters of request to the US Department of Defense, and, once a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) is finalized, the Paraguayan government makes the necessary payments in US dollars, as stipulated by the US Department of Defense. Notably, the agreement also provides for exemptions from customs duties, taxes, tariffs, or similar charges on the acquired defense articles and services—so long as these exemptions align with the terms of the letter of agreement. As stated in the agreement, “The Participants intend to collaborate to provide the appropriate documentation for tax and customs exemptions, if applicable.”

Legal clarity is another cornerstone of the partnership. The memorandum makes it clear that any changes to Paraguayan national legislation to facilitate participation in US security cooperation programs do not impose additional legal obligations on the US Department of Defense beyond what is specified in each LOA. This careful delineation of responsibilities ensures that both sides are on the same page and that cooperation can move forward smoothly.

The relationship took a further step forward in December 2025, when both governments signed the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA). This agreement clarifies the legal status of US military and civilian personnel in Paraguay, paving the way for joint training, humanitarian assistance, and efforts to strengthen Paraguay’s national defense capabilities. Paraguay’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rubén Lezcano, emphasized that the SOFA enables “activities such as joint training of security forces, humanitarian assistance, strengthening national defense capabilities, and other mutually agreed actions that directly benefit the well-being of Paraguayan citizens.”

These agreements are not just words on paper—they are already producing tangible results. US forces have provided firefighting equipment to Paraguayan military branches as part of a broader capacity-building program. The Army, Navy, Air Force, and Logistics Command have all benefited from this assistance, which has included equipment donated by the Massachusetts National Guard.

The United States is also bolstering Paraguay’s maritime security. The Paraguayan Navy, as part of its resilience program, received a fast boat from the US in 2025 to help control rivers that form borders with Argentina and Brazil. Three more vessels are expected in the first half of 2026, further enhancing Paraguay’s ability to patrol its waterways and combat illicit trafficking.

Training is another key area of cooperation. Paraguayan military personnel have participated in courses conducted by US Special Forces (Navy SEALs) in Paraguay, while others have traveled to the United States for instruction at various military units. This two-way exchange is designed to raise the professionalism and effectiveness of Paraguay’s armed forces, ensuring they are equipped to meet modern security challenges.

Looking to the skies, Paraguay is working with US defense contractor Northrop Grumman to install a radar system that will provide full coverage of the country’s airspace. With the SOFA in place, officials hope to shorten the timeline for this critical project, which is seen as essential for national sovereignty and the fight against aerial smuggling.

The diplomatic dimension of the partnership was underscored in a recent telephone conversation between Paraguayan President Santiago Peña and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. During the call, President Peña endorsed recent US actions in Venezuela, stating, “Our commitment to democracy and the well-being of our peoples is firm. We reaffirm the values we share and agree on the importance of working together to promote security, stability, and prosperity in the region.” This alignment of values and interests is the bedrock of the growing US-Paraguay relationship.

From Pakistan to Paraguay, the United States is doubling down on defense diplomacy, forging partnerships that blend training, equipment, and shared purpose. Whether it’s counterterrorism drills in South Asia or capacity-building on the banks of the Paraná, these efforts reflect a broader strategy: building resilient allies, enhancing regional stability, and fostering the kind of trust that only comes from boots on the ground and hands-on collaboration. For the United States and its partners, the work is far from over—but the foundations for deeper, more effective cooperation are firmly in place.