After failing to comply with air defense instructions, the suspects set fire to the plane and fled the scene
On Wednesday afternoon (April 10), the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) intercepted an EMB-810D Seneca aircraft, license plate PT-RQY, which had entered Brazilian airspace illegally from Bolivia.
Under the coordination of the Aerospace Operations Command (COMAE), A-29 Super Tucano air defense aircraft were activated when the illicit traffic was detected by the radar network of the Brazilian Air Defense System (SISDABRA) and intercepted at 13:30 (Brasilia time).
While the Airspace Policing Measures (MPEA) were being carried out on the suspect aircraft, Air Defense ordered it to change course and make a mandatory landing in Cacoal (RO). After failing to comply with these orders, the illicit traffic was subjected to a warning shot (TAV) in order to comply with the orders issued. At this point, the intercepted aircraft opted to make a forced landing in an area that was difficult to access, near the municipality of Rondolândia (MT). On the ground, the suspicious crew members set fire to the aircraft and fled the scene.
The Commander of Aerospace Operations, Air Brigadier Hudson Costa Potiguara, commented on the success of the operation. “It is with great satisfaction that COMAE, together with the Federal Police, announces the success of yet another interception mission, in which we interrupted the flow of a clandestine aircraft. This shows our readiness to track everything that is entering Brazil,” concluded the General Officer.
The actions are part of Operation Ostium, linked to the Integrated Border Protection Program (PPIF), with the aim of curbing cross-border illicit activities, in which the FAB and Public Security Agencies (OSP) work together, in compliance with Decree No. 5,144 of July 16, 2004.
FAB intercepts plane carrying drugs in Paraná
On Tuesday morning (09/04), the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) intercepted a Cessna 182 aircraft, license plate PT-CPR, entering Brazilian airspace from Paraguay, near Londrina (PR). Under the coordination of the Air Operations Command (COMAE), two A-29 Super Tucano air defense aircraft and the E-99 radar plane were used in the mission, carried out jointly with the Federal Police (PF).
When the plane entered Brazilian airspace without a flight plan, it was monitored by COMAE and the PF. From then on, the air defense pilots followed the protocols of the Airspace Policing Measures (MPEA), the aircraft was classified as suspicious, as provided for in Decree 5.144, of July 16, 2004, and it was found to have a cloned license plate.
Following the MPEA, the pilot of the A-29 was ordered to make a mandatory landing in Londrina. The aircraft did not comply with the order and made a forced landing on a dirt runway near Santa Cruz do Rio Pardo (SP) at around 11am. After that, the Federal Police took over Ground Control Measures (MCS), when the pilot was detained and the cargo he was carrying seized.
Tuesday’s action is part of Operation Ostium, linked to the Integrated Border Protection Program (PPIF). The aim is to curb illicit activities in Brazilian airspace, in which the FAB and public security agencies work together.
The Commander of Aerospace Operations, Air Brigadier Hudson Costa Potiguara, commented on the success of the operation. “Once again, the Brazilian Aerospace Defense System has shown its efficiency in carrying out Operation Ostium, which is precisely tasked with preventing illicit traffic from entering the country. In this case, together with the Federal Police, it was conducted very well and we were successful, which is not always the arrest shot. The success is preventing this aircraft from proceeding illegally,” concluded the General Officer, who is also the acting Commander of the Air Force.
*** Translated by DEFCONPress FYI Team ***