Building a Modern UK–Latin America Defence Partnership | LASC 2026

Why It Matters

The partnership expands the UK’s strategic foothold while unlocking billions in defence trade, bolstering regional security and diversifying Britain’s economic ties beyond traditional NATO allies.

Key Takeaways

• UK emphasizes responsibility to protect overseas territories in Latin America.
• Defense partnerships built on responsibility, partnership, and opportunity pillars.
• Joint exercises and training boost regional security and disaster response.
• UK aims £2.2 bn defense trade value with Latin America by 2029.
• New cyber and shipbuilding collaborations signal deeper industrial ties.

Summary

The LASC 2026 conference highlighted the United Kingdom’s push to modernise its defence partnership with Latin America, framing it as a strategic response to heightened geopolitical interest, including the recent U.S. operation in Venezuela. Lord Vernon Stoker outlined a three‑pillar approach—responsibility, partnership and opportunity—grounded in the UK’s constitutional duty to its over‑half‑million citizens in overseas territories and a permanent military footprint spanning bases, maritime patrols and disaster‑relief assets. Key insights included the deployment of HMS Trent and Royal Engineers after Hurricane Melissa, joint training programmes in Uruguay and Brazil, and a forthcoming combined cyber‑defence exercise. The UK also cited concrete industrial wins: a Brazilian purchase of an assault ship, a memorandum of understanding with Guyana, and the potential for type‑31 frigates in Chile’s ship‑building plan. These activities underpin an estimated £2.2 billion defence trade pipeline over the next three years. Notable moments featured Lord Stoker’s declaration that the world has entered a “new era of hard power” while reaffirming commitment to a rules‑based order, his receipt of Brazil’s Meritorious Medal, and the emphasis on technology transfer to boost Latin American defence industrial bases. The speech also referenced the Strategic Defence Review’s call for diverse, non‑NATO‑only partnerships. The implications are clear: a reinforced UK presence enhances regional stability, creates lucrative export opportunities for British defence firms, and positions London as a credible security partner amid shifting U.S. policies. By intertwining military readiness with economic collaboration, the UK aims to secure both geopolitical influence and commercial growth in a historically under‑served market.

Original Description

What models of engagement deliver sustainable capacity-building and institutional resilience? How can defence relations complement broader UK foreign policy and economic interests in the region? What frameworks are needed for long-term, balanced cooperation?

Keynote speaker: Lord Vernon Coaker, Minister of State, Ministry of Defence

Moderator: Dr Neil Melvin, Director of International Security, RUSI

Recorded at RUSI, 61 Whitehall, London on 29 January 2026