The region of Central America and the Caribbean has long been used by drug traffickers as a major transit and trans-shipment area. While the Caribbean route is largely preferred by Colombian traffickers, Mexican criminal groups engaged in drug trafficking opt to exploit the Central American corridor. Either of these routes constitutes clear and present threats to the safety and security of the southern approaches to the U.S. Homeland, a fact that has been acknowledged by U.S. authorities and its neighbouring allies. Full Article »

Commodore (Rtd) Anthony Franklin, former Chief of Defence of Trinidad & Tobago, outlines his nation’s key concerns as it aims to provide effective seakeeping in the Caribbean within a reasonable budget. Naval forces must prepare to tackle the issues of maritime piracy and deal with large-scale humanitarian problems in the face of natural disasters, as well as meet standard national defence requirements. Full Video »

Defence IQ continues its coverage of US maritime patrol developments with this audio programme featuring insight from Lt. Cdr. Ian Bastek. As the US Coast Guard's HC-130J Platform Manager, Bastek tells us how the aircraft has been enhanced since its introduction to the USCG a decade ago and what he feels are the technologies and TTPs that must be enhanced to see effective maritime patrol continue in the years to come. Full Podcast »

Just over 1,000 (1,022) Surface Warships larger than Offshore Patrol Vessels are currently included in the world’s naval fleets. These are operated by 63 countries. Full Sector Report »