The aim was to consolidate the final details and logistics for CRUZEX in November this year
Air Force Agency: BANT, by Petty Officer Carla and Lieutenant Johny Lucas
Between August 9 and 15, the Natal Air Base (BANT) hosted the 7th Pre-Planning Conference (PPC) and the Final Planning Conference (FPC) for the Southern Cross Exercise 2024 (CRUZEX 2024), one of the most important international air exercises promoted by the Brazilian Air Force (FAB). The event, which involved the participation of representatives from several nations, aimed to consolidate the final details and logistics for CRUZEX in November this year.
On Friday (09/08), the activities of the 7th PPC began with a review of the 6th edition of the plan, followed by debates on specific topics conducted by the Thematic Working Groups. On Monday (12/08), the FPC went ahead with presentations and discussions involving military personnel from Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Chile, the United States of America, Paraguay, Peru and Portugal, directing the final preparations for the Exercise.
The program ran until August 15 and included technical visits to BANT, as well as a series of workshops and operational, logistical and security meetings. The meetings ensured that all aspects of the exercise were aligned with the interoperability and security standards required by the FAB and the participating forces.
The BANT Commander, Air Brigadier Ricardo Guerra Rezende, highlighted the importance of the PPC and FPC as crucial stages in the preparation for the Exercise. “This is a key moment for us to align our operations and ensure that all participants are prepared for the challenges that CRUZEX 2024 will bring. The Natal Air Base is ready to receive and support all the nations involved,” he said.
The CRUZEX coordinator, Colonel Ricardo Bevilaqua Mendes, highlighted the discussions held at the Final Conference with the participating nations. “The last meeting was fundamental for aligning strategies and ensuring that all the details were perfectly planned. The success of the Exercise depends on meticulous planning, and this final stage was essential to ensure the integration and effectiveness of joint operations,” he said.
CRUZEX
The Cruzeiro do Sul Exercise (CRUZEX) is a multinational operational exercise promoted by the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) since 2002, which aims to provide joint training in conflict scenarios, promoting exchanges of experience between the participating partner nations. In this edition, the Exercise will be held at BANT, from November 3 to 15, and will bring together more than ten countries, including Brazil, and around 100 Brazilian and foreign military aircraft.
Photos: Soldiers Paulo and Sá / BANT