Sedena confirmó que el proceso de subasta internacional del avión presidencial continúa avanzando conforme al cronograma establecido, con la participación de empresas interesadas y bajo un esquema que, según la institución, busca garantizar la transparencia y el cumplimiento de la normativa vigente.

A través de un comunicado oficial, la dependencia detalló que siete empresas, tanto nacionales como extranjeras, ya retiraron las bases de la subasta, un requisito indispensable para participar en el proceso mediante el cual el Estado hondureño busca vender la aeronave presidencial.

La subasta internacional está programada para desarrollarse el 10 de julio de 2026, fecha en la que las empresas interesadas podrán presentar sus ofertas conforme a los procedimientos establecidos por la Dirección Nacional de Bienes del Estado.

Como parte de los preparativos, la Secretaría de Defensa informó que actualmente se desarrollan las inspecciones técnicas del avión, las cuales fueron organizadas bajo un calendario que contempla la atención de una sola empresa por día.

Según explicó la institución, este mecanismo tiene como finalidad garantizar un proceso ordenado, brindar igualdad de condiciones a todos los potenciales oferentes y permitir que cada empresa realice una revisión detallada del estado de la aeronave antes de presentar una propuesta económica.

La dependencia indicó que estas inspecciones forman parte de las etapas previas contempladas en el procedimiento de subasta internacional y se desarrollan conforme a las disposiciones legales vigentes.

Otro de los avances informados por la Secretaría de Defensa es la integración oficial del Comité de Subasta, organismo encargado de supervisar el desarrollo del proceso.

De acuerdo con el comunicado, la conformación del comité responde a lo establecido en el Reglamento de Organización y Funcionamiento de la Dirección Nacional de Bienes del Estado, normativa que regula los procedimientos para la administración y disposición de bienes estatales.

El comité será coordinado por la Dirección Nacional de Bienes del Estado e integrado por representantes de la Gerencia Administrativa y de la Auditoría Interna de la Secretaría de Defensa Nacional.

Asimismo, la institución informó que fueron convocados, en calidad de invitados y conforme a la ley, representantes del Tribunal Superior de Cuentas (TSC) y de la Procuraduría General de la República (PGR), quienes ejercerán labores de veeduría durante el desarrollo del proceso.

La participación de estos organismos busca fortalecer los mecanismos de control y vigilancia para garantizar que la subasta se lleve a cabo con apego a la legislación hondureña.

En su pronunciamiento, la Secretaría de Defensa reiteró que todas las actuaciones relacionadas con la venta del avión presidencial se desarrollan bajo criterios de legalidad y transparencia.

La institución señaló que la Dirección Legal de la dependencia ha brindado información sobre los alcances del procedimiento con el propósito de mantener informada a la ciudadanía respecto al desarrollo de la subasta internacional.

Además, sostuvo que todas las etapas del proceso cumplen con los requisitos establecidos por la normativa que regula la administración de bienes del Estado.

El comunicado enfatiza que la conformación del Comité de Subasta, las inspecciones técnicas y la participación de organismos de control forman parte de las medidas implementadas para asegurar un procedimiento transparente.

La subasta internacional del avión presidencial forma parte del proceso impulsado por el Gobierno para enajenar la aeronave mediante un mecanismo abierto a empresas nacionales e internacionales.

Hasta el momento, la Secretaría de Defensa no ha revelado los nombres de las siete empresas que retiraron las bases de participación ni ha informado sobre el monto base establecido para la venta del avión.

No obstante, la institución aseguró que el cronograma continúa desarrollándose conforme a lo previsto y que las inspecciones técnicas seguirán realizándose antes de la recepción formal de las ofertas.

De mantenerse el calendario establecido, el próximo 10 de julio se llevará a cabo la subasta internacional, en la que las empresas interesadas competirán por la adquisición de la aeronave presidencial bajo la supervisión de las autoridades competentes y los organismos de veeduría.

La Secretaría de Defensa concluyó reiterando su compromiso de cumplir estrictamente con las leyes y reglamentos aplicables, asegurando que todo el procedimiento se desarrollará bajo los principios de transparencia, legalidad y manejo responsable de los bienes del Estado.

Pope Leo XIV urged Americans to embrace the U.S.’s history of welcoming immigrants in a virtual address to the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia on Friday while accepting the 2026 Liberty Medal in recognition of his commitment to religious freedom.

«In these past 250 years, for so many peoples throughout the world, it was the firm resolve to achieve the noble vision of the nation’s founders that made America a byword for freedom, as the country opened its doors to successive waves of immigrants, enabling them and their children to play their part in shaping the future of the nation,» Pope Leo, the Catholic church’s first American Pope, recited.

«I would just like to recall the words signed by the founding fathers of the nation 250 years ago in Philadelphia in the Declaration of Independence. It said that we hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men have received fundamental rights from our creator, and they include life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,» he continued.

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«As a son of this great country, founded by courageous men and women who dreamed of liberty and of a better life for themselves and for their children, I join you in asking God’s blessings upon America’s future, that the lofty ideals enshrined at the beginning of the Declaration of Independence may continue to guide the flourishing of the nation in unity, justice and peace,» Leo said.

«Today, as we look to the future, this historic anniversary presents us with the opportunity to reflect once again on the nation’s founding principles in the hope that America will remain ever true to the dream that has earned it the title of land of the free and home of the brave,» the Pope continued, bolstering a steady commitment to advocating for immigrant and migrant rights, a position he’s taken a strong stance on since ascending to the papacy in 2025.

«The moral greatness of a nation is manifested, above all, in its capacity to support, protect and cherish the lives of all, especially the most vulnerable and those whose worth is questioned,» Leo concluded.

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Following his virtual address to the Philadelphia crowd, which he delivered remotely from The Vatican, the Pope departed for Lampedusa, an Italian territorial island off the coast of north Africa that’s become a hotspot for migrants seeking to gain entry into Europe.

There, again, Leo urged the world and Europe to accept more migrants.

«Here you have seen not just one, but thousands of human beings fallen into the hands of robbers who have taken everything from them, beat them brutally and walked away, leaving them half-dead. The sea has claimed the lives of others, those who did not manage to reach their hoped-for destination. Yet we feel their presence, which challenges us no less than that of those who have landed in need of attention and aid,» he said.

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«There are also those who choose not to be a neighbor and those who choose not to make a decision. Those who have lost their lives in this sea are victims both of decisions that were made and of decisions that were not made. Indifference to the common good and corruption in their countries of origin; a global economic system that generates poverty and exclusion; fear that fuels prejudice and contempt; the belief that such problems do not concern us; the criminal calculations of those who profit from the suffering of others; the slow and difficult transition from mere emergency management to the development of comprehensive and shared policies,» the Pope continued.

Pope Leo stops at «Porta d’Europa» memorial, as he visits the island of Lampedusa, a key entry point for migrants crossing the Mediterranean Sea, during a pastoral trip, Italy, July 4, 2026. (REUTERS/Remo Casilli)

«Thanks to its geographical location and institutional framework, Europe is capable of addressing the crisis, in this region, in a comprehensive manner, integrating immediate relief efforts into a long-term strategic plan capable of receiving, protecting, supporting and integrating migrants, while at the same time assisting developing countries so that no one is forced to emigrate.»

«Indeed, for many a vacation is merely a distraction, a time of lightheartedness and carefree enjoyment. It then seems as though an invisible wall has to be erected between the sea of shipwrecked migrants and the vacationers. Have the courage to think differently,» the Pope concluded.

Pope Leo stands next to the European Union and Italy’s flags as he visits the island of Lampedusa, a key entry point for migrants crossing the Mediterranean Sea, during a pastoral trip, Italy, July 4, 2026. (Vatican Media/­Handout via REUTERS)

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Leo’s strong stances on immigration and war have often put him at odds with Western leaders, particularly President Donald Trump.

Trump has called Leo «terrible for Foreign Policy» and «weak,» while Vice President JD Vance, a converted Catholic, has also criticized the Pope’s public comments.

America’s role in world affairs and its special relationships with allies and partners were on full display Saturday as world leaders offered congratulations and praise while the U.S. celebrated its 250th birthday.

«This year marks a truly historic milestone and a moment of great celebration for Americans everywhere,» The United Kingdom’s King Charles III wrote in a statement . «It offers an opportunity to pause and reflect on the remarkable journey of the United States over the past two and a half centuries, and to honour all that has been achieved since 1776.»

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Pope Leo XIV, leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics, extended his «heartfelt congratulations» to the American people on the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

«In marking this anniversary, it is important to recognize that freedom of religion has long been central to the American promise, protecting both individual dignity and the peaceful coexistence of a diverse people,» Leo wrote in a statement.

Pope Leo XIV arrives for the canonization Mass of Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

In France, authorities illuminated the Eiffel Tower in red, white and blue in what Paris described as a «heartfelt tribute to America’s 250th anniversary» and «a powerful reminder that the friendship between our two nations dates back to the 18th century.»

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized that the United States was «founded on freedom, democracy, and responsibility.

«Germany and the USA have always enjoyed a close friendship. Especially in challenging times, our transatlantic partnership remains indispensable,» he wrote on X.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote that July 4th marks «one of humanity’s brightest, strongest, and most influential dreams – the American Dream of an independent, free, and prosperous nation that defends people’s freedom, faith, and the pursuit of happiness.»

Meanwhile, the Russian Foreign Ministry shared a statement from President Vladimir Putin to his American counterpart: «Donald, I wish you and your loved ones health, well-being and every success, and I wish all citizens of the United States happiness and prosperity.»

 An FDNY boat sprays its hoses in tribute in front of the Statue of Liberty ahead of an international parade of tall sailing ships in New York Harbor on July 04, 2026 in New York City. The international fleet of ships gathered in New York’s harbor as the nation celebrates America’s 250th anniversary.  (Vincent Alban/Getty Images)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday spoke with President Trump to congratulate him and the United States.

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U.S. President Donald Trump holds a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at his Mar-a-Lago club on December 29, 2025 in Palm Beach, Florida.  (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

«The prime minister said in their conversation that the U.S. is a guarantor of global freedom, and Israel greatly values the close ties between nations,» according to a statement from Netanyahu’s office.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog visited U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee at the American embassy in Jerusalem on Friday.

«I am extremely moved and happy to be here at the American Embassy in Jerusalem, the capital of the State of Israel, at the Embassy which was launched by President Trump in his historic recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital,» said Herzog. «American Independence is one of the greatest moments in history, and it has changed the fate of humanity.»

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In a letter to Trump, Herzog wrote, «This is also a time to express our deepest appreciation for the unique and unbreakable partnership between the United States of America and Israel. Our two nations draw from the same wellsprings of the Bible, and we share the same fundamental values of freedom, democracy, and human dignity.»

Argentina’s President Javier Milei attended the U.S. Embassy in Argentina’s Independence Day celebration, which included the national anthems of both countries, live music, and celebrity lookalikes.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi noted that her country had gifted America 250 cherry trees . «Going forward, Japan and the United States will continue to work together to further strengthen the bonds between our two countries,» she wrote on X.

Hsiao Bi-khim, vice president of Taiwan, threw the first pitch at an American Institute in Taiwan baseball event celebrating America’s founding. «Our countries share beliefs in freedom & democracy, & baseball is loved by both our peoples. Congrats and Happy July 4,» she wrote.

President Donald Trump and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan talk on Thursday, May 15. (AP/Alex Brandon)

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, president of the United Arab Emirates, said the «journey of the United States’ founding is one of determination and resolve , values that continue to underpin the enduring partnership and mutual trust our countries share today.»

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud sent a cable of congratulations to Trump, wishing the president «continued good health and happiness, and the government and people of the US steady progress and prosperity.»

Pakistan , which is acting as a mediator in ongoing talks between Washington and Tehran, extended «warmest congratulations and best wishes to the United States of America and its people on its 250th Independence Day.»

Attendees watch the Independence Day fireworks display along the National Mall in Washington, D.C. (Probal Rashid/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Qatar, another mediator in the talks with the Iranian regime, released a statement from HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani who sent a cable of «congratulations to HE President of the United States of America Donald Trump on the anniversary of his country’s Independence Day.»

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Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, said the Declaration of Independence «gave birth to a new nation founded on the ideals of liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

«For 250 years, our transatlantic partnership has been shaped by our shared values and family bonds. And, at times, it has been strengthened by the immense bravery and lives lost in the defence of freedom,» she added.