Brasília (DF) – In the year 2023, the Brazilian Army has demonstrated its professional competence and diplomatic skills through participation in international combined exercises, strengthening ties with friendly nations and strengthening its position in the global military scenario. Operations Fer de Lance, Arandu, Paraná III and Core 23 are examples of this engagement.
Combined operations represent one of the most effective forms of military training and cooperation between countries, in which armed forces from different nations unite their capabilities and experiences to face common challenges. This year, the Brazilian Army has stood out by actively participating in combined exercises on several fronts.
When accompanying the last combined exercise, held in Argentine territory, the Army Commander emphasized the importance of this type of training for the Force. “It is a great satisfaction to have the opportunity to see so many resources mobilized, so much effort rewarded. Our troops only gain from this,” said General Tomás Miguel Miné Ribeiro Paiva.
Operation Fer de Lance
Considered the largest exercise of the French Armed Force held in South America this year, Fer de Lance included the participation of military personnel from Brazil, Suriname and Guyana, as well as members of the French Army, Navy and Air Force. The purpose of this integration was to exchange professional knowledge and develop regional cooperation.
The joint, combined, and interagency exercise involved staff work and the deployment of troops on the ground during the month of March. The tactical framework included offensive land, river, and jungle operations against regular and irregular forces. In addition, service members conducted border operations and coastal defense, including the evacuation of noncombatants.
Operation Arandu
With the participation of 300 Brazilian military personnel and 348 Argentine military personnel, Operation Arandu is an integration exercise between the Brazilian and Argentine Armies in a war context. The execution of the Arandu military exercise cycle was established at the XIV Bilateral Conference in 2020.
This year, Operation Arandu is being held at the General Ávalos Training Camp in Monte Caseros, Argentina, from July 31 to August 4. It is the only field exercise in which the Brazilian Ground Force will participate with troops abroad in 2023.
In addition to consolidating the bonds of unity, cooperation, and friendship between the armies of the two countries, the exercise proposes sharing doctrinal experiences in General Staff planning and the use of special operations, paratroopers, airborne, and armored troops.
Operation Paraná III
The next international activity involving the Ground Force will be Operation Paraná III, which will involve troops from seven armies in a humanitarian aid exercise. The activity will take place in the municipalities of western Paraná state, between August 12 and 18. Conducted with a simulation of natural disasters, hypothetical cases will be explored with the use of an international effort to provide aid and protection to the population. The simulated cases will focus on medical care in a field hospital, aeromobile and river rescue, landslides with victims, resupply in disaster areas, among others.
This is one of the activities planned by the Conference of American Armies (CEA), currently chaired by the Brazilian Army. Military personnel from Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Spain, the United States, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Portugal, the Dominican Republic, and Uruguay will participate in the exercise.
Operation Core 23
Operation CORE 23 will bring together service members from the Brazilian Army and the United States Army (USA) for a combined exercise in the Eastern Amazon from October 29 to November 20. Troops from both countries will share experiences and exchange knowledge on defense doctrine, techniques, tactics and procedures.
The exercise is the result of a Defense Cooperation Agreement between the governments of Brazil and the United States, enacted by President Dilma Roussef in 2015. This year, the French Army will also participate with a fraction of the 3rd Foreign Infantry Regiment.
Military diplomacy
In addition to showcasing its operational excellence and collaboration capabilities, the Brazilian Army’s participation in combined exercises also strengthens the country’s military diplomacy. These actions allow the building of solid relationships and the promotion of mutual trust between armed forces of different nations. Military diplomacy is a crucial tool for conflict prevention and for building a more secure and stable international community.