Trump Administration Plans Drone Deployment to South America Amid Military Expansion

Trump's military expands with drone deployment to South America for drug trafficking and terrorism efforts. New report reveals plan.

Editorial Desk

September 19, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Washington, D.C. — The Trump administration is preparing to deploy advanced drones to South America as part of a broader military strategy targeting drug trafficking and terrorism, according to a recent report.

The MQ-9 Reaper drones, which cost $56 million each, are primarily used for intelligence gathering but can also conduct precision strikes. These aircraft are currently based in Africa and are expected to be relocated to the U.S. Southern Command, which manages operations in Latin America, as per multiple sources who spoke to CNN.

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While the exact number of drones being moved remains unclear, one source indicated that most would be reassigned to South America, where the administration has sought increased influence. This shift comes as the military faces challenges balancing operations across multiple regions, including ongoing concerns about ISIS in Africa and the loss of a significant portion of the drone fleet in the Iran conflict.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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