Natal Air Force Base (BANT) hosted the 7th Pre-Planning Conference (PPC) and the Final Planning Conference (FPC) for Cruzeiro do Sul Exercise 2024 (CRUZEX 2024) from August 9th to 15th. As one of the most significant international military exercises organized by the Brazilian Air Force (FAB), the event involved representatives from various nations and aimed to conclude the details and logistics for CRUZEX, scheduled for next November.
The 7th PPC began on Friday, August 9th, with a review of the 6th edition of the planning, followed by discussions on specific topics led by Thematic Working Groups. On Monday, August 12th, the FPC advanced with presentations and discussions involving military personnel from Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Chile, United States, Paraguay, Peru, and Portugal, focusing on final preparations for the exercise.
The agenda continued until August 15th and included technical visits to BANT, as well as a series of workshops and operational, logistical, and security meetings. These sessions ensured that all aspects of the exercise were aligned with the interoperability and security standards required by FAB and the participating forces.
The Commander of BANT, General Ricardo Guerra Rezende, emphasized the importance of PPC and FPC as crucial steps for the exercise preparation. “This is a key moment to align our operations and ensure that all participants are ready for the challenges that CRUZEX 2024 will present. Natal Air Force Base is prepared to host and support all the involved nations,” he stated.
Colonel Ricardo Bevilaqua Mendes, aviator and CRUZEX Coordinator, highlighted the discussions held at the Final Conference with the participating nations. “The final meeting was crucial for aligning strategies and ensuring that every detail was meticulously planned. The success of the exercise depends on careful planning, and this final step was essential for ensuring integration and effectiveness in the joint operations,” he said.
About CRUZEX
Cruzeiro do Sul Exercise (CRUZEX) is a multinational operational exercise organized by the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) since 2002, aimed at joint training in conflict scenarios and promoting the exchange of experiences among the participating friendly nations. This year’s exercise will take place at BANT from November 3rd to 15th and will bring together over ten countries, including Brazil, and approximately 100 Brazilian and foreign military aircraft.
Source: Brazilian Air Force
