UNITAS

UNITAS is a multinational, maritime-focused military exercise hosted annually in Latin America. It is the longest-running exercise of its kind in the world, beginning in 1959. The exercise is typically organized by the United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), and participation varies each year, drawing in naval forces from the U.S. and multiple nations from Central and South America, as well as occasionally from Europe and other regions.

The primary objective of UNITAS is to enhance interoperability, build trust, and strengthen regional partnerships among participating nations' naval forces. This is achieved through a series of exercises and simulations designed to improve combined maritime capabilities in areas such as maritime interdiction operations, search and rescue, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, anti-submarine warfare, and anti-surface warfare.

UNITAS provides a valuable opportunity for participating countries to share best practices, improve communication, and operate together effectively in a multinational environment. It also fosters goodwill and promotes cooperation on shared security challenges in the region. The location of the exercise rotates each year, offering different countries the opportunity to host and showcase their own maritime capabilities and training facilities. UNITAS is considered a key component of the U.S. strategy of engagement in Latin America, fostering stability and security in the region through military cooperation and partnership.