The South American military power that has suspended its military operations with the USA
The United States is straining its relations with several countries around the world, including this South American country.
The stakes are high. Just days ago, Brazil announced the suspension of joint military operations with the United States, which had been planned for September and October on Brazilian territory. This unexpected decision directly impacts two of the most significant exercises on the bilateral agenda: Operation Formosa, scheduled for the Central Plateau, and Operation Core, set to take place in the country’s northeast.
According to Defense Ministry sources, the decision followed a meeting between Defense Minister José Múcio Monteiro Filho and the commanders of the Armed Forces, who weighed the growing tensions in military relations between the two countries. The announcement also comes only a month after U.S. Southern Command canceled a special joint exercise with the Brazilian Air Force.
Operation Formosa, regarded as Brazil’s largest land-based naval exercise and led by the Marine Corps, had already been in doubt. Last year’s edition brought together some 4,000 Brazilian soldiers, 63 Americans, and 32 Chinese. But in 2025, the U.S. Marines declined the invitation, while China also chose not to participate.
Operation Core 2025, an exercise designed to unite Brazilian and U.S. troops in peacekeeping missions, was likewise suspended. It had been scheduled for November in the state of Pernambuco, with 200 Brazilian and 150 American military personnel expected to take part.
Tensions escalated further after the recent visit of Southern Command chief Admiral Alvin Holsey, which was marred by a series of protocol disputes. Following that trip, the United States requested access to bases in strategic regions such as Acre and Manaus, but Brazil flatly refused, permitting only a single visit to Brasília.
Still, despite these setbacks, the relationship is not entirely severed. Military cooperation continues in part, though Brazilian officials admit they are concerned the tensions could spill over into the FMS (Foreign Military Sales) program—a key channel through which Brazil has acquired U.S. missiles, tanks, and advanced defense systems in excellent condition.
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What comes next remains uncertain.
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