FAB intercepts aircraft with 400 kg of drugs in Mato GrossoFAB intercepts aircraft with 400 kg of drugs in Mato Grosso

The A-29 Super Tucano fighter and the E-99 radar aircraft were used to intercept the small plane

Air Force Agency,by Aspirante Gabrielle Varela

The Brazilian Air Force (FAB) intercepted, on Wednesday (02/01), in Mato Grosso (MT), an aircraft carrying 400 kilos of cocaine. The unidentified aircraft, which was flying in Brazilian airspace without authorization and without a flight plan, was being monitored by FAB radars.

To carry out the mission, FAB used the A-29 Super Tucano fighter jet and the E-99 aircraft, which carried out the Airborne Early Warning (AEW) technology that allows it to detect other aircraft, distinguishing, at great distances, between friendly and enemy aircraft.

The use of this technology is indispensable in an air operations scenario, due to the aircraft’s flexibility in positioning, together with the ability to detect traffic at low altitude, allowing radar coverage of the Aeronautics Command (COMAER) areas of interest, as well as aircraft control, regardless of the existing Command and Control structure on the ground.

After the interception of the Super Tucano and the E-99, the pilot of the illicit aircraft landed on an unapproved runway in the interior of the state of Mato Grosso and fled. The Security Forces on the ground approached him and seized the drug shipment.

This operation was carried out jointly with the Federal Police (PF), the Special Border Group (GEFRON), the Integrated Coordination of Air Operations (CIOPAER), and the Mato Grosso Military Police (PM/MT).

The FAB works daily to guarantee the sovereignty of the Brazilian airspace. This action shows that the Brazilian Air Defense System acts permanently, 24 hours a day, to guarantee the country’s sovereignty.

The action is part of the integrated effort of the Security Forces involved in the repression of illicit flights in small aircrafts loaded with drugs.

Photo: Divulgation/PF *** Translated by the DEFCONPress FYI team ***

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