Opposition groups question Milei’s “ceding military sovereignty” without parliamentary discussion.

The Javier Milei administration officially announced the arrival of U.S. military personnel to Argentina, specifically to the province of Tierra del Fuego, through a Decree of Necessity and Urgency (DNU) 697/2025 , published this Monday in the Official Gazette with the signatures of the President and his entire Cabinet. The measure authorizes two combined military exercises with the United States and Chile , within the framework of the Armed Forces’ Annual Combined Exercises Plan.

The first operation, called “Solidarity ,” will take place from October 6 to 10 in Puerto Varas, Chile, and will focus on cooperation in response to natural disasters, based on the bilateral Cooperation Agreement signed in 1997. The DNU authorizes the deployment of Argentine military personnel and resources between October 5 and 11.

The second exercise, dubbed “Trident ,” will take place in Argentina between October 20 and November 15, centered on the naval bases of Mar del Plata, Ushuaia, and Puerto Belgrano. It will include combined naval defense and humanitarian assistance operations, with the direct participation of U.S. troops. According to the decree, the objective is to "improve interoperability and strengthen national capabilities in crisis scenarios . "

Both maneuvers had been contemplated in a bill submitted to the National Congress, but the initiative was never considered.

The Executive argued the “exceptional nature” of the situation and resorted to the DNU (Decree of the Unity) to authorize the arrival of foreign troops. However, the decision sparked a political and legal debate, as Article 75 of the Constitution establishes that the entry of foreign forces into the country requires legislative approval .

The Permanent Bicameral Commission will review the validity of the decree in the coming days, although in practice the operations already have a confirmed schedule. The expenses resulting from Argentina’s participation will be covered by funds from the Ministry of Defense.

The authorization coincides with a time of economic and political tension in Argentina, following the financial bailout promoted by the Donald Trump administration to support Milei’s administration and social protests against the president’s policies, which have resulted in greater poverty and precariousness.

Opposition groups question Milei’s “ceding military sovereignty” without parliamentary discussion, and warn that the exercises could set a precedent for the direct involvement of U.S. troops in operations on Argentine territory.

While “Solidarity” focuses on emergency coordination, “Trident” is shaping up to be the most tactically significant exercise in recent years , combining naval, air, and infantry forces from Argentina, Chile, and the United States.

The Foreign Ministry reported that the maneuvers seek to “increase regional cooperation” and promote the Argentine Armed Forces in multinational security and defense operations .