During the exercise, FAB presented the power of its new fighter, the F-39 Gripen, in international air combat missions
Air Force Agency, by Lieutenants Eniele Santos and Johny Lucas
Advanced air alarm, ground attack, in-flight refueling, combat air patrol, escort, sweep, cargo and personnel launch, among others. These are some of the Air Force actions carried out in Exercise Cruzeiro do Sul (CRUZEX) 2024, which is taking place at the Natal Air Base (BANT) until November 15.
CRUZEX 2024 is the largest multinational exercise in Latin America and brings many new features. The Brazilian Air Force (FAB) is taking part in the exercise, among other aircraft, with the F-39 Gripen fighter jets, alongside the A-1, A-29 and F-5. The Brazilian Navy brought the A-4 and other countries also brought air assets, such as the F-15 fighters from the United States, the F-16 from Chile, the AT-27 from Paraguay, the IA-63 from Argentina and the KT-1P from Peru.
F-39 Gripen
Among the activities carried out by the F-39 Gripen are Air Opposition Operations, coordinated by the Air Defense Package Leader.
In addition, the FAB fighter has on-board self-defense systems, including RWR (Radar Warning Receiver), IRST (Infrared Search and Track) and MAWS (Missile Approach Warning System), which are essential for detecting and countering threats. Acting in exercise scenarios also requires the aircraft to be prepared for a rapid reaction, the “Threat Reaction” and, to this end, the F-39 tests its ability to respond in these situations. Thus, the fighter is evaluated in advanced tactical missions, performing both offensive (OCA, Offensive Counter Air) and defensive (DCA, Deffensive Counter Air) functions.
According to the Commander of the First Air Defense Group (1º GDA), Lieutenant Colonel Ramon Lincoln Santos Forneas, at Cruzex, the pilots in training will act as both enemy and friendly forces, the latter being the one they will perform the most.
“In this context, we will carry out Offensive Counterair (OCA) operations, in which the F-39 Gripen will protect friendly forces while they conduct actions within enemy territory; and Defensive Counterair (DCA) operations, which aim to defend against enemy attacks,” explains Lieutenant Colonel Fórneas.
Another important aspect measured during CRUZEX 2024 is the survival rate of the F-39 Gripen in combat. To do this, PMA II (Air Mission Planning II) resources are used, a system that makes it possible to simulate the impact of the threats present in the scenario, providing a detailed analysis of each vector’s performance.
“CRUZEX 2024 promises to be a comprehensive test for the F-39 Gripen, consolidating its strategic role for national defense and allowing a clearer view of its ability to adapt and resist the challenges of a modern combat environment,” explains the GDA Commander.
Fighter aircraft
The F-5 fighter is in charge of air defense missions and stands out for its ability to manage tactical formations, also acting as Air Defense Package Leader. Its function is to protect the airspace, coordinating defense and escort actions against threats, guaranteeing the safety of aircraft and strategic assets. The F-5 is also highly rated for in-flight refueling, which is essential for greater autonomy on extended missions.
Designed for attack and reconnaissance missions, the A-1 fighter plays an important role in tactical leadership as Mission Commander in composite air mission scenarios. This fighter coordinates formations and conducts attacks in integrated operations, while also carrying out aerospace reconnaissance actions, playing a strategic role in this context.
The A-29 Super Tucano, on the other hand, carries out integrated attacks, enabling versatile action, engaging ground targets with conventional weaponry. Prepared to respond to both air and ground threats, the A-29 has self-defense systems that increase its effectiveness in mixed-threat operations.
International novelty
In this edition of CRUZEX 2024, the United States brought the F-15 Eagle to Brazil for the first time. One of the pilots, Major Michael Scott, emphasized the importance of the exercise, highlighting the mutual learning that international air forces gain from operating together.
The American officer commented that the F-15s came from the 159th Fighter Wing of the Louisiana Air National Guard, based at the Joint Naval Air Base in New Orleans, and that coming to an exercise in Brazil brings new challenges and training opportunities for the pilots and soldiers.
“The performance of the F-15 in combat missions is one of the main specialties of this aircraft. We are here to improve our cooperation capacity and strengthen ties with our allies,” he said, stressing the importance of simulating realistic air combat scenarios to strengthen the readiness of all participants.
Photos: Petty Officer Jonhson, Sergeant Müller Marin, Sergeant Mônica and Sergeant Vanessa Sonaly/ CECOMSAER