The building symbolizes a milestone in the operation of FAB’s new F-39 Gripen
Agência Força Aérea, por Aspirante Eniele Santos
The Anápolis Air Base (BAAN) held, on June 1st, the inauguration ceremony of the new building of the First Air Defense Group (1º GDA) – Jaguar Squadron. The ceremony was attended by the Commander of the Brazilian Air Force (FAB), Air Lieutenant Brigadier Carlos de Almeida Baptista Junior, General Officers from the Aerospace Operations Command (COMAE), the Preparations Command (COMPREP), the Sixth Regional Air Command (VI COMAR) and military personnel from the GT-FOX, the group responsible for the implementation of Gripen in FAB.
The new building of the 1st GDA aims to expand and improve the structure of the BAAN, in order to symbolize a concrete milestone in the operation of the F-39 Gripen vector, since the site was built to receive the aircraft acquired by the Institution.
The FAB Commander, Lieutenant-Brigadier Baptista Junior, was present at the ceremony that marks a new phase in the modernization of the Air Force and, on the occasion, planted Jacaranda seedlings, a symbol of BAAN.
The Preparations Commander, Air Lieutenant Brigadier Sergio Roberto de Almeida, when talking about the new facilities, highlighted the importance of the construction of a modern building that could meet the Air Base’s new needs.
“The fact that happened today is a step in the project of receiving this vector. Gripen is a complex process that involves the infrastructure, the preparation of personnel and the unit to receive it. And, next week, all the material for assembling the simulators will be received, further ratifying Anápolis Air Base as the headquarters of the Gripen Unit,” highlighted the General Officer.
The Commander of BAAN, Aviator Colonel Renato Leal Leite, while welcoming the General Officers, mentioned how happy the Base is to receive this new facility for the Jaguar Squadron and also highlighted future projects. “Today we inaugurate the first large structure specifically built for the Gripen operation. Starting next week, we will begin to receive most of the material that will be installed here, such as the flight simulators,” he said.
The commander of the 1st GDA, when talking about the new structure of the Jaguar Squadron, highlighted the benefits of the building not only for FAB, but also for Brazil, since now the country will receive fighter aircraft that place it in the vanguard of aerospace defense in the world scenario. “Due to the scope of the Gripen Project and the capabilities, systems and sensors of the aircraft, the need for a general renovation of the 1st GDA building was verified. There are several systems, sensors, stations and simulators that were acquired by FAB as part of the project. Thus, the building contemplates, in all its structure, both operational and administrative divisions.”
F-39 Gripen
Recently, the Commander of the Aeronautics, Lieutenant-Brigadier Baptista Junior, announced that, later this year, the FAB will receive more new Gripen aircraft, putting Brazil in a prominent position in relation to national security.
Video: Petty Officer Barros/ CECOMSAER. Photos: Sergeant Figueira/ CECOMSAER. *** Translated by The DEFCONPress Team ***