Cruzex 2024
Natal Air Base (BANT)
Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
November 3-7, 2024
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The FAB deployed a diverse fleet of aircraft, including the KC-390 Millennium (aerial refuelling), F-39 Gripen, both aircraft types for the first time, in addition to F-5EM Tiger II, A-1AM-AMX, A-29B Super Tucano, transport aircraft C-99, C-105/SC-105 Amazonas, reconnaissance aircraft R-99 and E-99, and H-36 Cougar helicopters. The Brazilian Navy provided two A-4 Skyhawks for the first part of CRUZEX.
Other participating nations provided; F-15C Eagles (United States), F-16 Fighting Falcons (Chile), AT-27 (Paraguay), IA-63 (Argentina), and KT-1P (Peru). Additional aerial refuelling was provided by Colombia (KC-767/MMTT Jupiter), Chile (KC-135 Stratotanker), Portugal (KC-390) and United States (KC-46 Pegasus).
The FAB deployed the E-99M equipped with the ERIEYE airborne radar were tasked with performing In-Flight Control and Alarm (CAV) actions, which are crucial to supporting COMAOs. The E-99M has the capability to detect aircraft over long distances, including those flying at low altitudes, and distinguish between friendly and enemy aircraft. This ability enables strategic airspace surveillance and control of friendly aircraft operating in the scenario. The FAB operated the R-99 which served as the Airborne Communication Station (PCOM-AR) during CRUZEX, carrying out an essential mission communicating between aircraft flying in the combat area.
Two Marinha do Brasil (MB, Brazilian Navy) McDonnell Douglas AF-1 Skyhawks attended CRUZEX 2024,
AF-1B Skyhawk (N-1004) and AF-1C Skyhawk (N-1021) from VF-1 'Falcão' 1st Interceptor and Strike Fighter Squadron based at São Pedro da Aldeia. Both aircraft were withdrawn from the exercise at the start od the second week.
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| Left to right: McDonnell Douglas AF-1B Skyhawk (N-1004) VF-1 ‘Falcão' 1st Interceptor and Strike Fighter Squadron, Marinha do Brasil (MB, Brazilian Navy), based at São Pedro da Aldeia. |
| Left to right: McDonnell Douglas AF-1B Skyhawk (N-1004) VF-1 ‘Falcão' 1st Interceptor and Strike Fighter Squadron, Marinha do Brasil (MB, Brazilian Navy), based at São Pedro da Aldeia. |
| Left to right: McDonnell Douglas AF-1B Skyhawk (N-1004) VF-1 ‘Falcão' 1st Interceptor and Strike Fighter Squadron, Marinha do Brasil (MB, Brazilian Navy), based at São Pedro da Aldeia. |
| Left to right: McDonnell Douglas AF-1B Skyhawk (N-1004) VF-1 ‘Falcão' 1st Interceptor and Strike Fighter Squadron, Marinha do Brasil (MB, Brazilian Navy), based at São Pedro da Aldeia. |
| Left to right: McDonnell Douglas AF-1C Skyhawk (N-1021) VF-1 ‘Falcão' 1st Interceptor and Strike Fighter Squadron, Marinha do Brasil (MB, Brazilian Navy), based at São Pedro da Aldeia. |
| Left to right: McDonnell Douglas AF-1C Skyhawk (N-1021) VF-1 ‘Falcão' 1st Interceptor and Strike Fighter Squadron, Marinha do Brasil (MB, Brazilian Navy), based at São Pedro da Aldeia. |
