Geopolitical Monitor: "Understanding the US-Venezuela Oil Deal"

 

"Understanding the US-Venezuela Oil Deal"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Geopolitical Monitor

11 September 2026

Published: https://www.geopoliticalmonitor.com/us-venezuela-oil-deal-explained/ 

 US-Venezuela relations have continued to evolve since the removal of then-President Nicolás Maduro in early January through Operation Absolute Resolve. Recently, President Donald Trump announced a historic deal to exploit Venezuela’s oil reserves. That deal and its ramifications require more discussion, given its potential repercussions for the United States, Venezuela (including the future of interim President Delcy Rodríguez), and even other relevant actors like China.

Future Warfare Magazine: "NarcoDrones fly across #Latin American skies, with lethal payloads"

 

"NarcoDrones  fly across #Latin American skies, with lethal payloads"

Future Warfare Magazine

Issue: 01/2026

Published: Https://fw-mag.com/

 

Zona Militar: "Allen-Vanguard announces the sale of new electronic countermeasure systems to a South American military" / "Allen-Vanguard entregará nuevos sistemas de contramedidas Equinox NG y Scorpion 2 a las Fuerzas Armadas de un país Sudamericano"

"Allen-Vanguard announces the sale of new electronic countermeasure systems to a South American military"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Zona Militar

10 February, 2026

Published: https://www.zona-militar.com/en/2026/02/10/allen-vanguard-announces-the-sale-of-new-electronic-countermeasure-systems-to-a-south-american-military/

Allen-Vanguard, a producer of Electronic Countermeasures (ECM), announced on 5 February that it has received a multi-million-dollar order for its Equinox NG and Scorpion 2 ECM systems. The client is an undisclosed South American military. Zona Militar had an exclusive interview with Bobby Strawbridge, President of Allen-Vanguard, to discuss this sale and the future.

 

"Allen-Vanguard entregará nuevos sistemas de contramedidas Equinox NG y Scorpion 2 a las Fuerzas Armadas de un país Sudamericano"

 Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Zona Militar

10 de Febrero del 2026

Publicado:  https://www.zona-militar.com/2026/02/10/allen-vanguard-entregara-nuevos-sistemas-de-contramedidas-equinox-ng-y-scorpion-2-a-las-fuerzas-armadas-de-un-pais-sudamericano/

Allen-Vanguard, fabricante de sistemas de Contramedidas Electrónicas (ECM), anunció el pasado 5 de febrero que ha recibido un pedido multimillonario para sus sistemas ECM Equinox NG y Scorpion 2. El cliente es una fuerza armada sudamericana cuya identidad no fue revelada. Zona Militar mantuvo una entrevista exclusiva con Bobby Strawbridge, presidente de Allen-Vanguard, para dialogar sobre esta venta y las perspectivas a futuro.

 

Zona Militar: "Oshkosh Defense will deliver additional DXPV Kaaiman to The Netherlands"

 

 

"Oshkosh Defense will deliver additional DXPV Kaaiman to The Netherlands"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Zona Militar

23 January, 2026

Published: https://www.zona-militar.com/en/2026/01/23/oshkosh-defense-will-deliver-additional-dxpv-kaaiman-to-the-netherlands/

 

"Oshkosh Defense entregará vehículos expedicionarios DXPV Kaaiman adicionales a la Infantería de Marina de los Países Bajos"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Zona Militar

23 de Enero del 2026

Publicado: https://www.zona-militar.com/2026/01/23/oshkosh-defense-entregara-vehiculos-expedicionarios-dxpv-kaaiman-adicionales-a-la-infanteria-de-marina-de-los-paises-bajos/ 

 

 

 

Turan Center: "Turkey Expands Global Defense Influence: From the Turkic World to Latin America"

 

"Turkey Expands Global Defense Influence: From the Turkic World to Latin America"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Turan Center

18 November, 2025

Published: https://www.turancenter.org/analysis/turkey-expands-global-defense-influence-from-the-turkic-world-to-latin-america 

Turkey’s defense industry is entering a new phase of global expansion—with Latin America emerging as its next strategic frontier. The recent delivery of Otokar vehicles to Ecuador and the ratification of a defense cooperation agreement with Brazil are recent developments in a potential attempt by Ankara to replicate its success in the Turkic world across the Western Hemisphere.

From Regional Power to Global Exporter

Global instability, advanced defense technologies, and new markets have ushered in a golden age for defense industries. Turkey, once a net importer of military hardware, is expanding its global footprint by selling to longstanding allies and new clients.

 

 

 

Book Chapters in: “Maritime Strategy and Security Challenges in South America”

 

Maritime Strategy and Security Challenges in South America

 Henrik Shilling and Anne Runhaar (Eds)

ISPK Seapower Series

Vol. 6, First Edition, 2025

Nomos, Baden-Baden  

Chapter: "Maritime Strategy and Security Challenges in South America" p. 23-42

Chapter: "IUU Fishing and South American Navies" p. 159-172

https://www.nomos-elibrary.de/en/document/view/detail/uuid/a0885c17-cad1-3152-9408-7bd601824bd2 

 

 

Zona Militar: "DroneShield announces new contracts for a Latin American defense customer" / "La empresa australiana DroneShield anuncia nuevos contratos para un cliente de defensa en América Latina"

 

 "DroneShield announces new contracts for a Latin American defense customer"

 Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Zona Militar

19 July 2025

Published: https://www.zona-militar.com/en/2025/07/19/droneshield-announces-new-contracts-for-a-latin-american-defense-customer/

The Australian company DroneShield, producer of counter-uncrewed aerial systems (counter-UAS) technology, announced on 30 June a contract package worth US$9.7 million for an undisclosed Latin American customer.

Specifically, the company announced three contracts “for its handheld and on-the-move counter-drone systems.” DroneShield will deliver the systems via its privately owned in-country reseller, which is contractually required to distribute the systems to “a defense end customer in a Latin American country,” the company explained in a press release. Zona Militar contacted DroneShield to learn about this contract and other projects the company has with Latin America; company representatives declined to elaborate further on the new contract or other agreements, citing confidentiality clauses.

"La empresa australiana DroneShield anuncia nuevos contratos para un cliente de defensa en América Latina"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Zona Militar

19 de Julio del 2025

Publicado: https://www.zona-militar.com/2025/07/19/la-empresa-australiana-droneshield-anuncia-nuevos-contratos-para-un-cliente-de-defensa-en-america-latina/ 

La empresa australiana DroneShield, especializada en tecnología contra sistemas aéreos no tripulados (counter-UAS), anunció el 30 de junio un paquete de contratos por un valor de 9,7 millones de dólares estadounidenses para un cliente latinoamericano cuya identidad no fue revelada.

En concreto, la empresa comunicó la firma de tres contratos “para sus sistemas antidrones portátiles y móviles”. DroneShield entregará los sistemas a través de un distribuidor local de propiedad privada, el cual tiene la obligación contractual de distribuir los equipos a “un cliente final del sector defensa en un país latinoamericano”, explicó la compañía en un comunicado de prensa. Zona Militar contactó a DroneShield para conocer más sobre este contrato y otros proyectos en América Latina; sin embargo, representantes de la empresa declinaron ofrecer más detalles sobre el nuevo acuerdo u otros convenios, citando cláusulas de confidencialidad.

 

Janes: "Paraguay accepts first four Embraer A-29 Super Tucanos from 2024 order"

 

"Paraguay accepts first four Embraer A-29 Super Tucanos from 2024 order"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Janes

3 July 2025

Published: https://www.janes.com/osint-insights/defence-news/industry/paraguay-accepts-first-four-embraer-a-29-super-tucanos-from-2024-order

The Paraguayan Air Force (FAP) received the first four of six Embraer A-29 Super Tucano light attack and trainer aircraft on 30 June. The Paraguayan government announced the acquisition of six Super Tucanos in July 2024, intended to revamp the FAP's combat fleet.

 

 

Zona Militar: "Saab showcases its projects and goals to equip the Armed Forces of Latin America" / "Saab expone sus proyectos y objetivos para equipar a las Fuerzas Armadas de América Latina"

 

"Saab showcases its projects and goals to equip the Armed Forces of Latin America"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Zona Militar

24 May, 2025

Published: https://www.zona-militar.com/en/2025/05/24/saab-showcases-its-projects-and-goals-to-equip-the-armed-forces-of-latin-america/

 

"Saab expone sus proyectos y objetivos para equipar a las Fuerzas Armadas de América Latina"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Zona Militar

24 de Mayo, 2025

Publicado: https://www.zona-militar.com/2025/05/24/saab-expone-sus-proyectos-y-objetivos-para-equipar-a-las-fuerzas-armadas-de-america-latina/

Zona Militar: "Fibrotex USA delivers camouflage systems for US military, prepares for future of war" / "Fibrotex USA suministra sistemas de camuflaje a las Fuerzas Armadas de EE.UU. y se prepara para el futuro de la guerra"

 

"Fibrotex USA delivers camouflage systems for US military, prepares for future of war"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Zona Militar

16 May, 2025

Published: https://www.zona-militar.com/en/2025/05/16/fibrotex-usa-delivers-camouflage-systems-for-us-military-prepares-for-future-of-war/

Camouflage is a critical component of military operations, and Fibrotex is laser-focused on providing different types of signature management systems, including heat and RADAR, to its global clients. The US company, Fibrotex USA, has contracts with the US Army and US Marine Corps (USMC) and will expand its physical footprint in the US by opening a new research & development centre. At the Modern Day Marine (MDM), Zona Militar spoke with Eyal Malleron, CEO of Fibrotex USA, about the present and future of camouflage and its role in warfare.

"Fibrotex USA suministra sistemas de camuflaje a las Fuerzas Armadas de EE.UU. y se prepara para el futuro de la guerra"

 Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Zona Militar

16 de Mayo, 2025

Publicado: https://www.zona-militar.com/2025/05/16/fibrotex-usa-suministra-sistemas-de-camuflaje-al-ejercito-estadounidense-y-se-prepara-para-el-futuro-de-la-guerra/

El camuflaje es un componente fundamental de las operaciones militares y Fibrotex se concentra en brindar distintos tipos de sistemas de gestión de firmas, incluidos calor y RADAR, a sus clientes globales. La empresa estadounidense Fibrotex USA tiene contratos con el Ejército y el Cuerpo de Marines de Estados Unidos (USMC) y ampliará su presencia física en Estados Unidos abriendo un nuevo centro de investigación y desarrollo. En el Modern Day Marine (MDM), Zona Militar conversó con Eyal Malleron, CEO de Fibrotex USA, sobre el presente y el futuro del camuflaje y su papel en la guerra.

 

Breaking Defense: "As Peru seeks new fighter jets, global firms jockey for position"

 

"As Peru seeks new fighter jets, global firms jockey for position"  

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Breaking defense

15 May, 2025

Published: https://breakingdefense.com/2025/05/as-peru-seeks-new-fighter-jets-global-firms-jockey-for-position/

WASHINGTON — When a high-profile delegation of Peruvian government officials, including the minister of defense, made a visit to their counterparts in Washington, DC, last week, they added another stop to the trip to see a Lockheed Martin facility.

 

Breaking Defense: "Brazilian navy to acquire two British Albion-class ships"

 

 

"Brazilian navy to acquire two British Albion-class ships"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Naval Warfare

Breaking Defense

8 April 2025

Published: https://breakingdefense.com/2025/04/brazilian-navy-to-acquire-two-british-albion-class-ships/ 

The Brazilian navy and the UK's Royal Navy have signed a letter of intent to acquire the HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark.

Shephard: "South American shipyards end 2024 positively as regional navies bet on local manufacturers"

 

"South American shipyards end 2024 positively as regional navies bet on local manufacturers"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Naval Warfare

Shephard

23 December 2024

Published: https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/naval-warfare/south-american-shipyards-end-2024-positively-as-regional-navies-bet-on-local-manufacturers/

The year ends with several South American navies undergoing ambitious programmes to modernise their fleets. A common denominator is that regional services want domestically manufactured surface vessels and even submarines.

CSIS: "Changing of the Guard: It’s Time for Washington to Strengthen SOUTHCOM"

 

 

"Changing of the Guard: It’s Time for Washington to Strengthen SOUTHCOM"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez and Dr. Ryan Berg

Americas Program

Center for Strategic and International Studies

23 October, 2024

Published: https://www.csis.org/analysis/changing-guard-its-time-washington-strengthen-southcom

United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) will soon experience a changing of the guard. On November 7, U.S. Navy vice admiral Alvin Holsey will assume command of SOUTHCOM from Army general Laura Richardson. During her time at the helm of SOUTHCOM, General Richardson carried out several initiatives to strengthen relations with U.S. allies and partners throughout the Western Hemisphere.

With a new commander in Miami and a new administration coming in Washington, it is time for U.S. policymakers to (finally) provide SOUTHCOM with the assets it needs to fully perform its mission. With an area of responsibility encompassing 31 countries and 12 dependencies, the Caribbean Sea, and waters in the Eastern Pacific and South Atlantic down to Antarctica, SOUTHCOM has much to do with limited resources. The change of leadership and the elevation to Service Component Command in mid-September of the U.S. Air Force Southern (AFSOUTH), the air component of SOUTHCOM, should encourage the next administration to engage more actively with SOUTHCOM.

 

WOTR: "South Korea’s Growing Role as a Major Arms Exporter: Future Prospects in Latin America"

 

 "South Korea’s Growing Role as a Major Arms Exporter: Future Prospects in Latin America"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez and Hoshik Nam

War on the Rocks

Commentary

21 August, 2024

Originally published: https://warontherocks.com/2024/08/south-koreas-growing-role-as-a-major-arms-exporter-future-prospects-in-latin-america/

The last few years have seen a surge in defense spending, particularly in regard to conventional defense technologies. “We’ve had a huge increase in demand from our European allies and partners over the last few years since the … invasion by the Russians in Ukraine,” Defense Security Cooperation Agency director James Hursch observed recently. U.S. industries are not the only suppliers benefiting from this surge in demand. South Korea has also dramatically expanded its global role as a defense technology supplier. In 2023, South Korea became one of the top 10 arms exporters in the world, exporting $14 billion worth of defense technology to 12 countries.

Continue reading... 

Golos Ameriki: " Эксперты в США: «Венесуэла – это в реальности новая Куба»" / "Venezuela in reality is the new Cuba"

 

"Эксперты в США: «Венесуэла – это в реальности новая Куба»" / "Venezuela in reality is the new Cuba"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Golos Ameriki / Voice of America (Russian language service)

31 July 2024

Originally published: https://www.golosameriki.com/a/us-experts-venezuela-elections/7719450.html

«Термин “мадуризмо” – это не только сам Николас Мадуро. Это и круг его сторонников: членов Национальной ассамблеи, министров, руководителей государственной нефтяной компании и военачальников Вооруженных сил, начиная с министра обороны Владимира Лопеса. Их материальное благополучие, их власть, от которых они не откажутся, зависят от присутствия Мадуро на президентском посту, – пояснил в интервью Русской службе «Голоса Америки» Вильдер Алехандро Санчес, глава компании Second Floor Strategies, политолог вашингтонского Центра стратегических и международных исследований (Wilder Alejandro Sanchez, CSIS).

Continue reading....

Breaking Defense: "With back-to-back deals in Peru, South Korea defense industry expands South American foothold"

 

"With back-to-back deals in Peru, South Korea defense industry expands South American foothold"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Breaking Defense

20 May, 2024

Originally published: https://breakingdefense.com/2024/05/with-back-to-back-deals-in-peru-south-korea-defense-industry-expands-south-american-foothold/

A new shipbuilding deal could be a test case that, if successful, could lead for years more work and millions more in deals for Seoul, in Peru and South America.

Continue reading....  

Essay: "South America: small wars, insurgencies & aerial acquisition programs"

 

 "South America: small wars, insurgencies & aerial acquisition programs"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Small Wars and Insurgencies

Published: 24 April, 2024

Originally published: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09592318.2024.2336089

 Abstract: While maintaining minimal deterrence capabilities, South America’s has not experienced inter-state warfare in almost three decades. Internal security challenges exist, while militaries are involved in various other missions, including humanitarian assistance, search-and-rescue, combating wildfires, and combating environmental crimes like illegal fishing and illegal mining. This analysis will discuss the evolving role of South American insurgencies vis-à-vis small wars, insurgencies, and other combat and non-combat missions by focusing on regional air fleets. The types of rotary-wing and fixed-wing aircraft Air Forces, Armies, and Navies are purchasing (or domestically manufacturing) explain what kinds of missions and threats armed services are focused on today and tomorrow’s priorities. Small case studies of helicopter and combat warplane fleets across South American militaries will help us understand what regional services spend their often-limited funds on. Moreover, we will address how regional air fleets may be composed a decade from now, by 2034, considering regional geopolitics, missions, and priorities (including environmental protection). Confidence-building mechanisms and the influence, or lack thereof, of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on recent acquisition programs and strategies will provide a more complete analysis.

 Continue reading: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09592318.2024.2336089

Shephard News: "Emgepron and Tidewise team up to develop first ‘made-in-Brazil’ USV"

 

"Emgepron and Tidewise team up to develop first ‘made-in-Brazil’ USV"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Uncrewed Vehicles

Shephard Media

8 March, 2024

Originally published: https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/uv-online/emgepron-and-tidewise-team-up-to-develop-first-made-in-brazil-usv/

Brazil's Emgepron and Tidewise have partnered to construct the Suppressor unmanned surface vessel by 2025 amid potential interest from the Brazilian Navy.

 

The first-ever “made-in-Brazil” unmanned surface vessel (USV) has been scheduled to take to the seas by 2025.

 

Continue reading...

Quoted in: "What Does Latin America Think About the Israel-Hamas War?"

 

 

 "What does Latin America think about the Israel-Hamas war?"

By Patricia Garip

Foreign Policy

29 January, 2024

Originally published: https://foreignpolicy.com/2024/01/29/israel-hamas-gaza-war-latin-america-chile-argentina-colombia-mexico-genocide/

 Many countries are spurning Israel. But the region’s Middle East stance has always been nuanced.