In 2024 alone, the FAB intercepted 207 aircraft, following a downward trend compared to previous years
Air Force Agency, by Lieutenant Mônica Lopes
In recent years, the Brazilian Air Force (FAB), through the Aerospace Operations Command (COMAE), has intensified its intelligence and monitoring of national airspace, reinforcing the country’s sovereignty with 24-hour operations. Through the continuous use of radars, satellites and specialized aircraft, the FAB has acted incisively to curb illicit air traffic and guarantee the security of Brazilian territory.
In 2024, by the beginning of July, three aircraft had complied with the mandatory landing order issued by Air Defense, while between 2019 and 2024, there were 20 cases in which firing was necessary during interceptions. The states with the highest number of interceptions in 2024 were Roraima, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Rondônia and São Paulo, with the main reasons for these actions being the identification and investigation of suspicious aircraft.
Over the last five years, the number of aircraft intercepted has reflected the intensity of preventive and integrated work between public security agencies, with 404 in 2023, 435 in 2022, 1,147 in 2021, 984 in 2020 and 843 in 2019. According to Colonel Leonardo Venancio Mangrich, Deputy Chief of the Joint Aerospace Operations Center (CCOA) of the Aerospace Operations Command (COMAE), the reduction in the number of interceptions is a clear indication of the efficiency of the actions. “We have used a wide range of resources and information from various public security and inspection bodies to identify and act against illicit air traffic in a preventive manner. By focusing on strategic points and using intelligence data, we are managing to reduce the need for interceptions, which shows that the preventive work is being extremely effective,” he said.
By July 2024, the FAB had intercepted 207 aircraft, following a downward trend compared to previous years. Also according to Colonel Mangrich, one of the main resources used in this work is the nationally manufactured E-99 aircraft, with in-flight control and alarm, which has been fundamental in various surveillance operations. “The constant and strategic presence of these aircraft, combined with advanced technologies such as the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), has enabled a significant reduction in the number of aircraft intercepted. This drop, however, does not reflect a decrease in the FAB’s efforts, but rather the effectiveness of preventive and deterrent actions,” he concluded.
These operations are part of an ongoing effort by the FAB to ensure that Brazilian airspace is safe and under constant surveillance, with a view to the country’s sovereignty against any kind of air threat.
Interception Stages
Interception follows a rigorous process that begins with the detection of an unidentified or suspicious aircraft within the Air Defense Identification Zone (ZIDA). Air traffic control (civil or military) attempts to contact the aircraft to determine its identity and intentions. If there is no response, or if the response is deemed unsatisfactory, interceptor fighters are sent to visually identify the aircraft.
Warning shot: A step before in-flight detention
If the aircraft does not respond to communication attempts and continues to behave suspiciously, the next step is a warning shot. This shot is a deterrent, designed to show the aircraft that it must obey the orders issued. This shot is recorded and audited to ensure transparency and compliance with the laws in force.
Civil-military integration
Interoperability between civilian and military systems is vital for effective interception. In many cases, the first sign of a potential threat comes from civilian air traffic controllers, who then coordinate with the Military Operations Centers (COPM) at the Integrated Air Defense and Air Traffic Control Centers (CINDACTA). This integrated system allows for a rapid and coordinated response, minimizing reaction time and increasing the chances of a successful interception.
COMAE
The Aerospace Operations Command (COMAE) is responsible for planning, coordinating and executing Air Force actions aimed at the Aerospace Control Task, using the air resources necessary to identify, coerce or detain traffic flying in the National Territory.