These were the armored vehicles and fighter jets that the Brazilian Navy deployed in Operation Formosa alongside troops from the U.S. and China

Por

23 September, 2024

On September 17, the Brazilian Navy concluded Operation Formosa, one of its most important annual exercises. This edition included the participation of U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) troops and the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) of China. This exercise, which has been held since 1988 near the city of the same name, is a demonstration of the capabilities of the General Command of the Marine Corps to conduct projection operations, as well as support peacekeeping missions under UN mandate, in collaboration and cooperation with other nations.

A testament to this capability is the wide array of tracked and wheeled armored vehicles, tank destroyers, artillery systems with cannons, rockets, and missiles, along with fighter-bombers and helicopters, that the Brazilian Navy deployed for Operation Formosa. Thanks to a series of official photographs, this impressive deployment of assets was showcased.

Wheeled, tracked, and amphibious armored vehicles

On the ground, among the armored vehicles, the 8×8 PIRANHA IIIC Armored Combat Vehicles (VCBR) in their personnel transport version stood out, complemented by tracked armored vehicles like the M113 and amphibious AAV7A1s. The latter, known as Amphibious Tracked Vehicles (CLAnf), were originally incorporated in 1986 with the arrival of twelve units, later supplemented in subsequent years, such as in 1997 (acquired from United Defense Limited) and the last batch of 23 units introduced in 2018. Additionally, these vehicles were reinforced during Operation Formosa with the presence of SK 105A2 tank destroyers.

Artillery systems: Cannons, rockets, and missiles

As for fire support for the deployed units, images show an ASTROS II rocket and missile artillery system. Representatives from the SIATT firm, which supplies the Navy with the MANSUP anti-ship missile, integrated into the ASTROS family, were also observed, making the system an effective coastal defense asset. Furthermore, the Brazilian Navy relies on its tube artillery systems, such as 105mm L118 cannons and mortars of various calibers, which were also present in the exercises.

Lastly, in the air domain, the Brazilian naval aviation deployed its AF-1B Skyhawk fighter-bombers for air cover and close air support missions, complemented by helicopters like the UH-12 Esquilo.