In the context of the preparations for a new edition of the international Exercise Southern Cross (CRUZEX 2024), the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) held the Intermediate Planning Conference (MPC) on April 29th, aiming to provide essential information about the training.
The conference, which involved representatives from the Air Forces of Chile, Colombia, Paraguay, Peru, Portugal, Sweden, and the United States, took place at Natal Air Base, where the delegation was received by its commander and Exercise Director, Air Brigadier Ricardo Guerra Rezende. During the opening ceremony, Guerra Rezende emphasized the importance of the presence of the participating countries’ representatives.
Guerra Rezende stated, “Your presence is very important to us, and this exercise will be beneficial for all. The Brazilian team is prepared and available to provide all necessary support.” Additionally, the Exercise Coordinator, Colonel Ricardo Bevilaqua Mendes, affirmed, “When we talk about an exercise of this magnitude, we must consider general issues, such as restructuring facilities to support the operation, including hangars, runways, planning areas, and human support. We also need to address tactical factors, such as the validation process of simulated workstations and mission planning process in a scenario of composite air missions. But we also need to worry about everything that involves the operation of foreign aircraft with their limitations, characteristics, needs, and operational doctrines.”
For this edition, scheduled for November of this year at Natal Air Base, more than 10 countries will participate, with the arrival of approximately 100 Brazilian and foreign military aircraft, totaling between 1,200 and 1,300 flight hours.
The Brazilian Air Force will deploy A-1 AMX fighters, F-5EM/FM Tiger II, F-39 Gripen, A-29 Super Tucano attack aircraft, KC-390 Millennium transport aircraft, C105 Amazonas, C-99, C-95 Bandeirante, C-97 Brasilia, C-98 Caravan, R-99 and E-99 airborne early warning and control aircraft, and H-36 Caracal and H-60 Blackhawk helicopters. Additionally, the Brazilian Navy will contribute AF-1B/C fighters.
Regarding foreign delegations, the Argentine Air Force will participate with A-4AR Fightinghawk fighter-bombers, IA-63 Pampa III advanced training aircraft, and a C-130H Hercules transport aircraft; the Chilean Air Force will contribute F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter-bombers and a KC-135E Stratotanker refueling aircraft.
Furthermore, the Colombian Air Force is expected to participate with IAI Kfir fighter-bombers and a Boeing 767 MMTT refueling aircraft; the Paraguayan Air Force with Embraer T-27 Tucano attack aircraft and a C-212 Aviocar transport aircraft; the Peruvian Air Force with Mirage 2000P fighter-bombers and C-27J Spartan and C-130 Hercules transport aircraft; the Portuguese Air Force with a KC-390 Millennium refueling aircraft; and the Uruguayan Air Force with a KC-130H Hercules refueling aircraft.
The United States will also participate with F-16C fighters from the National Guard, KC-135 refueling aircraft, and C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft from the U.S. Air Force.
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