With a Sense of Accomplishment, Strengthened Ties, and Alliances, CRUZEX 2024 Comes to an End
This Friday (11/15), Natal Air Base (BANT) said goodbye to CRUZEX 2024, the largest simulated warfare exercise in Latin America. In its ninth edition, CRUZEX brought together air forces from 16 countries, which conducted intense training over two weeks and exchanged experiences in high-complexity operations. Allied nations shared knowledge to strengthen their defense capabilities.
According to the Director of CRUZEX 2024, Major General Ricardo Guerra Rezende, the results exceeded all initial expectations. “With planning that began in 2022, our goal was to create a highly complex simulation environment while fostering integration beyond aircraft in the skies. We’re talking about an international defense network where trust and coordination are essential,” he stated.
During the exercise, there were around 1,500 flight hours, more than 450 parachutists were dropped, 160 targets were attacked, and over 800 missions were completed. Operational efficiency reached 98%, reflecting the high level of preparedness of the participating teams.
“Beyond the numbers, CRUZEX 2024 marked an exchange of knowledge on techniques, tactics, and procedures that can save lives and improve air force responses in real-life situations,” added Major General Rezende.
International Cooperation and Mutual Learning
One of the major triumphs of CRUZEX 2024 was the synergy between military personnel from various nations, such as Canada, Ecuador, and South Africa. These countries participated as observers in planning and debriefing sessions, analyzing each stage of the training and sharing their perspectives aiming at contributing with aerial assets in the next edition of the exercise. This exchange of experiences was crucial for teams to enhance their operations and build a strong network of international cooperation.
For the Operational Coordinator of CRUZEX, Colonel Ricardo Bevilaqua Mendes, the 2024 edition demonstrated how international collaboration elevates readiness. “Improvements in aerial mission planning, with more detailed briefings and a more dynamic result analysis process, ensured a training environment that reflects modern demands,” explained the officer. He also highlighted the inclusion of cyber and space scenarios as unique features of this edition.
The Strength of Brazilian Aviation
CRUZEX was also a grand stage for developing the Brazilian Air Force’s (FAB) aerial capabilities, showcasing a varied and skilled fleet. In combat aviation, the Commander of the Air Defense Group (GDA), Lieutenant Colonel Ramon Lincoln Santos Forneas, emphasized the performance of the F-39 Gripen fighter aircraft. “We had the opportunity to practice complex air combat missions where our pilots developed advanced tactics and improved coordination with foreign squadrons, resulting in significant operational gains,” he said.
In transport aviation, Lieutenant Colonel Umile Coelho praised the KC-390 Millennium for its performance in air-to-air refueling, aerial resupply, aeromedical evacuation, and humanitarian missions. “The KC-390 proved to be a versatile and efficient aircraft, operating in various simulated scenarios and reinforcing its strategic role within the Brazilian Air Force,” he stated.
In reconnaissance aviation, Lieutenant Colonel David Dantas da Silva highlighted the value of missions with the R-99 and E-99 aircraft, which were essential for real-time data collection. “Strategic reconnaissance was fundamental to the success of operations. We provided detailed combat scenario information, enabling quick and precise decision-making,” he noted.
Integrated Defense and Future Scenarios
A highlight of this edition was the integration of cyber operations, enabling participating forces to tackle digital threats in real time alongside physical challenges. “Cyber training applied to air combat simulation was groundbreaking. We assessed how our forces could react to modern scenarios and, more importantly, how we could support one another in such situations,” stated Lieutenant Colonel Tiago Josue Diedrich, Chief of the Cyber Operations Cell, pointing to a future where cyber defense will play an increasingly critical role.
A Legacy for the Future
For the Commander of the Operational Group (GOP) at BANT and Chief of the Exercise Support Cell (EXSUP), Colonel Paulo Cezar Fischer da Silva, CRUZEX was also a commitment to global security. The exercise represents a collective effort to create a safer and better-coordinated airspace. “It is gratifying to see two years of planning come to fruition in this important edition of CRUZEX. Thanks to the joint effort of all the Air Force Command’s sectoral direction bodies, Natal Air Base provided the best support structure for participants, creating an environment conducive to exchanging experiences among diverse nations. The dedication of the entire exercise support team made it possible to fully achieve the objectives of CRUZEX 2024,” he reported.
With CRUZEX 2024 now concluded, the exercise leaves behind a legacy of learning and international cooperation. “This multinational and complex scenario allowed our pilots to undergo operational training very close to real-life situations, contributing to improving the readiness and response capacity of the Brazilian Air Force,” concluded Major General Rezende. The exercise stands as an example of integration and continuous improvement, paving the way for future editions. The next CRUZEX already stirs anticipation, promising to once again bring together the air forces of various nations for a common goal: building a strong and united global defense.