UNITAS LXVII 2026: Peru Hosts 24-Nation Multinational Naval Exercise

The 67th edition of UNITAS, the world’s longest continuously running multinational maritime exercise, is underway in Peru from September 10-24, 2026. More than 5,700 personnel from 24 nations, 26 surface ships, two submarines and 21 aircraft are taking part, with a Lake Titicaca phase added for the first time.

At a Glance

The exercise runs September 10-24, 2026, launching from the port of Callao, Peru.
More than 5,700 personnel from 24 allied and partner nations are participating.
26 surface vessels, two submarines and 21 aircraft/helicopters are involved, including Fennec, Dauphin, Panther, Sea King and Seahawk types.
Peruvian Navy frigates such as BAP Coronel Bolognesi (FM-57) are among the featured platforms.
This year’s scope adds a Lake Titicaca phase for the first time, alongside maritime, amphibious, Amazon riverine and cyber defense phases.
Launched in 1959 and sponsored by US Southern Command, UNITAS holds the title of the world’s oldest continuously running multinational naval exercise.

Background

UNITAS, Latin for “unity,” has been run since 1959 to build interoperability among navies across the Americas. This 67th edition is hosted by the Peruvian Navy, with a broad participant list including the United States, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico and Spain. The exercise now spans far more than open-ocean operations, covering the Pacific coastline, the Amazon basin, high-altitude Andean terrain and, new this year, Lake Titicaca.

US Marines and partner-nation troops have also conducted joint training such as motivational runs and multinational pistol ranges at a Peruvian marine infantry base, while a US Navy P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft deployed to Peru in support of the exercise. Beyond traditional naval warfare scenarios, the drill is designed to test humanitarian assistance/disaster response, cyber defense and riverine operations.

Regional Impact

UNITAS remains one of Latin America’s largest multinational military events and a backbone of the region’s maritime security architecture. Türkiye is not among this year’s participants, but Turkish defense industry visibility in the Latin American market has grown in recent years, with Turkish shipbuilders and manufacturers increasingly pitching frigates, fast patrol boats and unmanned systems to regional navies. The continuity of large-scale exercises like UNITAS is a useful indicator of how regional navies are shaping their modernization and procurement priorities going forward.

FAQ

How many countries are taking part in UNITAS 2026?
Naval forces from 24 allied and partner nations are participating in this year’s edition.

Why does the Lake Titicaca phase matter?
It is the first time in the exercise’s history that a high-altitude, freshwater phase has been included, extending UNITAS’s scope well beyond traditional blue-water scenarios.

How long does the exercise run?
It runs for roughly two weeks, from September 10 to 24, 2026.