Air Defense, Search and Rescue and Humanitarian Missions consolidate the permanent actions of the Aerospace Operations Command
Source: COMAE, by Colonel Pedra – Air Force Agency, Lieutenant Vieira
The expression “triple crown”, historically associated with territorial conquests or sovereignty in sporting contexts, serves as a metaphor to illustrate the breadth of the Aerospace Operations Command’s (COMAE) operations in peacetime. At the same time, the voiceover points to a support network made up of sensing aircraft, satellites, computer systems driven by artificial intelligence and security and defense units on the ground that are intertwined to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of COMAE’s permanent commitment: Air Defense, Search and Rescue (or Rescues) and Humanitarian Missions.
Air Defense
COMAE keeps fighter aircraft on permanent alert, ready for immediate take-off from its air bases. In 2024 alone, 412 aircraft were intercepted in order to guarantee the sovereignty of Brazilian airspace.
Another example of readiness was Operation G20 Air Defense, which took place during the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro. In this mission, COMAE ensured the security of the airspace, with the creation of the Air Defense Identification Zone (ZIDA – Zona de Identificação de Defesa Aérea). The operation included the integration of anti-aircraft systems, ensuring the protection of international leaders and highlighting the FAB’s capabilities at global events.
Rescues
The Search and Rescue operations carried out by COMAE reaffirm Brazil’s commitment to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the UN agency that regulates civil aviation. In 2024, COMAE was activated for 38 search and rescue operations, resulting in the rescue of 16 survivors in extreme conditions.
The Search and Rescue System (SISSAR – Sistema de Busca e Salvamento) alert service is permanently activated and can be adapted for missions in war contexts, such as Combat Search and Rescue (C-SAR), demonstrating COMAE’s operational duality.
Humanitarian aid
There are many humanitarian aid missions and, whether in support of vaccination or natural disasters, they all reflect the FAB’s social commitment, especially to the most vulnerable communities. In this sense, among the FAB’s main subsidiary actions are organ transportation, Aeromedical Evacuations (MEDVAC) and Operations Tucumã and Catrimani II, both underway in 2025.
Organ transportation: In 2024, the FAB transported 292 organs, including 126 livers and 96 hearts, ensuring that these vital resources arrived in time to save lives. Since 2016, the FAB has transported more than 2,175 organs on more than 1,900 missions, consolidating its essential role in the health system.
Aeromedical Evacuations (MEDVAC): Using aerospace resources, MEDVACs transfer injured or sick individuals from initial care sites to specialized medical centers, ensuring medical support during transport.
Operation Tucumã: This operation aims to combat forest fires and mitigate the impacts of drought in the Amazon. The action includes the use of the KC-390 aircraft to fight fires, as well as the distribution of drinking water, food and water treatment kits, guaranteeing the subsistence of vulnerable riverside families.
Operation Catrimani II: Set up by the Federal Government, the operation aims to protect the Yanomami Indigenous Lands (YIL) and combat environmental crimes in the region. Since April 2024, military personnel from the Brazilian Navy (MB), the Brazilian Army (EB) and the FAB have been working to combat illegal mining and humanitarian actions, in coordination with government agencies in Roraima.
These operations reinforce the FAB’s contribution to national integration and raise awareness about environmental preservation.
Future prospects
“In 2025, COMAE will reaffirm its commitment to Brazilian society and to the Federal Constitution, while continuing to fulfill its mission of employing Brazilian aerospace power to guarantee the sovereignty of the airspace and the integration of the national territory,” concludes the Commander of Aerospace Operations, Lieutenant General Raimundo Nogueira Lopes Neto.
Photos: CECOMSAER