The United States military is reportedly preparing to move drones to South America as Washington considers expanding its counternarcotics operations in the region. The potential deployment comes amid growing efforts to monitor drug-trafficking networks and strengthen military cooperation with partner nations.

The planned movement of unmanned aircraft highlights the increasing role of aerial surveillance in US counterdrug strategies. Drones can be used to gather intelligence, track suspected trafficking routes and support operations in remote areas.

MQ-9 Reaper Drones Could Be Transferred From Africa

Six sources familiar with the planning told CNN that the US military is expected to move MQ-9 Reaper drones currently operating in Africa to US Southern Command, which oversees military operations in South America. The reported transfer is part of a broader movement of military equipment to the region as Washington prepares for possible counternarcotics and counterterrorism operations.

The number of drones being relocated remains unclear. One source indicated that most of the MQ-9 aircraft operated by US Africa Command could be transferred. The drones are designed for intelligence collection and precision strikes, making them valuable assets for surveillance and potential military missions.

The potential deployment comes as the Trump administration discusses expanding military operations on land alongside partner nations in South America, including possible operations in Ecuador.

Expanding Partnerships Across the Region

US officials have increasingly emphasized military cooperation with countries in the Western Hemisphere. During a conference in Panama, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth highlighted partnerships with Ecuador, Honduras, Guatemala, Jamaica and Colombia in efforts to combat what officials describe as narco-terrorism.

Colombia has also reportedly reached an agreement with the United States to receive three MQ-9A Reaper drones for monitoring drug-trafficking corridors and supporting potential precision-strike operations.

Meanwhile, the US Embassy in Panama announced the delivery of more than $6 million worth of long-range drone systems to the country’s National Aeronaval Service. The systems are intended to help monitor remote borders, protect maritime routes and combat drug trafficking and human smuggling.

Concerns Over Military Priorities

The proposed transfer has raised questions about the impact on US military operations in Africa. Moving drones away from the region could reduce surveillance and strike capabilities available for missions against militant groups, including ISIS and al-Shabaab.

The United States has already conducted months of strikes against alleged drug traffickers in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. However, law enforcement officials and experts have questioned whether these operations have produced a lasting effect on the regional drug trade.

Some experts suggest that trafficking organizations may respond by changing their routes or methods. Others have questioned whether the types of vessels targeted in the strikes represent the primary means of transporting illegal drugs.

A Broader Shift in Counterdrug Strategy

In recent weeks, US operations have also included intercepting boats, removing their crews and transferring individuals to partner countries before sinking the vessels. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that cooperation with regional governments has influenced the way these missions are conducted.

Despite changes in tactics, the United States has not completely abandoned strikes against crewed vessels. The military reported that three crew members were killed during an attack on an alleged drug-trafficking boat in the Caribbean on September 9.

As Washington considers expanding its military presence in South America, the movement of MQ-9 Reaper drones points to a broader strategic shift toward regional security partnerships and counternarcotics operations. The exact scope of future missions, however, remains uncertain, and the Pentagon has declined to comment on the reported transfer.

Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2026/09/18/politics/us-military-drones-south-america