US Carrier Joins Joint Military Exercise with Argentina Amid Rising Falklands Sovereignty Dispute
Amid renewed tensions over the Falkland Islands' sovereignty, the US aircraft carrier USS Nimitz conducted a joint military exercise with Argentina, signaling deeper ties between Argentina and the US and drawing significant attention to regional dynamics.
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- 📰 Published: April 30, 2026 at 19:41
- 🔍 Collected: April 30, 2026 at 20:01 (20 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 30, 2026 at 20:58 (57 min after Collected)
Central News Agency (Reporter Huang Yun-ru, Buenos Aires, 30th) The US aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN-68) began sailing in the South Atlantic on the 27th, entering Argentina's exclusive economic zone and commencing a four-day joint military exercise with the Argentine Navy. This exercise has drawn high international attention as it coincides with renewed exchanges between the UK and Argentina over the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands.
According to the Argentine Ministry of Defense, this joint operation, codenamed 'Passex 2026' exercise, was jointly executed by the US carrier strike group and the Argentine Navy from the 27th to the 30th. It was approved by President Javier Milei via an emergency decree, marking a joint exercise between Argentine and US forces.
In addition to the Nimitz, accompanying vessels included the US Navy's USS Gridley (DDG-101) destroyer. Argentina dispatched its destroyer 'ARA Argentina' and corvette 'ARA Rosales' for joint maneuvers off Mar de Plata. It is reported that President Milei was invited by the US Ambassador to Argentina, Peter Lamelas, to board the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier.
This invitation is seen externally as a deepening of Argentina's allied relationship with the United States. Reports indicate that since taking office, President Milei has actively promoted a pro-US policy, including deepening cooperation with the U.S. Southern Command, expanding joint military exercises, and discussing US involvement in Antarctic infrastructure construction. The aircraft carrier's entry into Argentine waters reflects a further step in bilateral strategic relations.
The US fleet's visit is part of a regional deployment, having previously participated in exercises in multiple countries. Simultaneously, the US military is also participating in the 'Atlantic Dagger' training in Argentina, scheduled from late April to mid-June, covering naval and air force bases.
However, the timing of this exercise is sensitive. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer recently reiterated British sovereignty over the Falkland Islands; President Milei, on the other hand, stated that Argentina refers to the Falkland Islands as the Malvinas Islands (Islas Malvinas), emphasizing them as Argentine territory, reigniting tensions between the two countries.
The US's stance on the Falkland Islands sovereignty issue is drawing attention. Former Argentine Ambassador to the US, Diego Guelar, analyzed that the Malvinas Islands are strategically like two aircraft carriers in the South Atlantic, holding key significance for global shipping and military deployment. Therefore, the US position becomes an important factor influencing regional balance. (Editor: Zhang Zhi-xuan) 1150430
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According to the Argentine Ministry of Defense, this joint operation, codenamed 'Passex 2026' exercise, was jointly executed by the US carrier strike group and the Argentine Navy from the 27th to the 30th. It was approved by President Javier Milei via an emergency decree, marking a joint exercise between Argentine and US forces.
In addition to the Nimitz, accompanying vessels included the US Navy's USS Gridley (DDG-101) destroyer. Argentina dispatched its destroyer 'ARA Argentina' and corvette 'ARA Rosales' for joint maneuvers off Mar de Plata. It is reported that President Milei was invited by the US Ambassador to Argentina, Peter Lamelas, to board the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier.
This invitation is seen externally as a deepening of Argentina's allied relationship with the United States. Reports indicate that since taking office, President Milei has actively promoted a pro-US policy, including deepening cooperation with the U.S. Southern Command, expanding joint military exercises, and discussing US involvement in Antarctic infrastructure construction. The aircraft carrier's entry into Argentine waters reflects a further step in bilateral strategic relations.
The US fleet's visit is part of a regional deployment, having previously participated in exercises in multiple countries. Simultaneously, the US military is also participating in the 'Atlantic Dagger' training in Argentina, scheduled from late April to mid-June, covering naval and air force bases.
However, the timing of this exercise is sensitive. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer recently reiterated British sovereignty over the Falkland Islands; President Milei, on the other hand, stated that Argentina refers to the Falkland Islands as the Malvinas Islands (Islas Malvinas), emphasizing them as Argentine territory, reigniting tensions between the two countries.
The US's stance on the Falkland Islands sovereignty issue is drawing attention. Former Argentine Ambassador to the US, Diego Guelar, analyzed that the Malvinas Islands are strategically like two aircraft carriers in the South Atlantic, holding key significance for global shipping and military deployment. Therefore, the US position becomes an important factor influencing regional balance. (Editor: Zhang Zhi-xuan) 1150430
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The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, or publicly transmitted and used without authorization.