The FAC mobilized two of its main aircraft, the KC-390 Millennium and the H-60L Black Hawk, to act in the mission
The Component Air Force (FAC), under the coordination of the Pantanal II Joint Command, is playing a vital role in Operation Pantanal II, a mission to fight fires in one of the world’s largest wetlands, the Pantanal biome, which is currently facing one of the most critical periods of fires in recent years.
Operating from the Aerospace Operations Command (COMAE), the FAC not only controls the airspace in the area of operations, but also provides and coordinates logistical support through air transportation for other agencies, as well as carrying out firefighting actions in flight. To this end, the KC-390 Millennium was mobilized for firefighting and rotary-wing aircraft from the Armed Forces, the Brazilian Navy (MB), the Brazilian Army (EB) and the Brazilian Air Force (FAB), to provide logistical air support in the region. In addition, the FAB’s Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA), the RQ-900 Hermes of the 1st/12th GAV – Horus Squadron – is being used to identify hotspots, assisting in the planning of combat actions coordinated by the Joint Command (CCj).
To date, the FAC has coordinated more than 300 flight hours, including only the Armed Forces aircraft under its jurisdiction. In all, there are nine aircraft under this coordination, using the following helicopters: H-60L Black Hawk, operated by the FAB, UH-12 Esquilo, UH-15 Super Cougar, operated by the Brazilian Navy, HM-1 Pantera and HM-3 Cougar, operated by the Brazilian Army. More than 700,000 liters of water were dropped on fires in the region, mainly by the KC-390 Millennium. In addition, more than 58 tons of cargo and more than 1,000 firefighters were transported to support the actions in the area.
“Fires spread very quickly in this dry season, and many places are difficult to access. That’s why the work carried out by the FAC is fundamental, both in fighting fires in flight and in providing logistical support, reducing the response time of the brigade teams in regions that are difficult to access,” said FAC Commander, Air Brigadier Alessandro Cramer.
Cramer also pointed out that the FAC has been able to meet practically all the demands and orders of the Operation Pantanal II Joint Command, contributing significantly to the results achieved.
The role of the Component Air Force in Operation Pantanal II highlights not only the FAB’s operational capacity in emergency situations, but also reinforces the institution’s commitment to environmental protection and public safety.
Learn more about the aircraft used in the operation
The KC-390 Millennium, operated by the First Troop Transport Group (1º GTT) – Fleet Zeus – is a high-capacity military transport aircraft, currently being used for the first time in a real in-flight firefighting mission. Equipped with the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS), the aircraft can transport large volumes of water and fire retardants, making it an essential tool in containing large-scale fires.
The H-60L Black Hawk, operated by the Second Fleet of the Tenth Aviation Group (2º/10º GAV) – Pelican Fleet – is also playing a crucial role in the operation. Known for its versatility and ability to operate in adverse conditions, this aircraft has been used both for logistical support and for transporting firefighting teams, allowing access to areas that are difficult to reach by land.
Operation Pantanal II
The Pantanal II Joint Command was activated on June 27, by decree 3,179, signed by the Minister of Defense, José Mucio Monteiro Filho. With this measure, the Armed Forces, Navy, Army and Air Force will join forces to fight fires in the Pantanal region for a period of four months. The activities of the Joint Command will be under the responsibility of Army General Baganha. The actions are being carried out in the states of Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul, with six helicopters, two planes, boats and vehicles to transport military personnel, firefighters and equipment, as well as resources to ensure support for all those involved.
The use of military personnel in this operation is extremely important, as these professionals are trained to work in extreme conditions on a daily basis, with the mission of defending lives and the Pantanal biome.
Photos: CECOMSAER