The inaugural Western Hemisphere Chiefs of Defense Conference is scheduled for February 11, 2026, in Washington, D.C. This historic gathering will unite military leaders from across the Americas and European nations with regional territories.
Participants and Host
Hosted by U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine, the conference will include top defense officials from 34 countries—spanning Canada, Central and South America, the Caribbean, as well as Britain (Falklands), France (French Guiana), and Denmark (Greenland).
Unique Format
Unlike past forums that featured defense ministers, this event focuses directly on military chiefs, prioritizing operational-level cooperation.
Core Agenda
The primary goals are to build shared understanding of regional security challenges and strengthen partnerships against narcotics trafficking, transnational criminal organizations, terrorism, and external threats.
Strategic Context
The conference aligns with the Trump administration’s intensified campaign against drug cartels, now designated as narcoterrorist organizations. Recent U.S. actions include airstrikes on suspected smuggling vessels and a major January 2026 operation that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro—treating cartel networks as combatants in an armed conflict.
Broader Implications
By convening these leaders, the U.S. seeks coordinated responses to shared threats, greater interoperability, and a reinforced regional security framework. The unprecedented military-to-military format signals a shift toward more direct engagement in Western Hemisphere defense policy.