The Brazilian Air Force (FAB) launched the Joint Exercise Escudo-Tínia 2026 (EXCON Tínia) on May 11 at the Anápolis Air Base (BAAN) in the state of Goiás. For the first time in the exercise’s history, the F-39E Gripen fighter takes part in the operations — marking a significant milestone in the aircraft’s full integration into Brazil’s aerospace defense system.
Running from May 11 to 29, the exercise brings together assets from the Air Force, Army and Navy for high-complexity joint missions. This edition is also the first to be held outside the south of Brazil: historically, the exercise took place at Canoas Air Base (RS) and Santa Maria Air Base (RS).
Alongside the Gripen, participating aircraft include the A-1M (AMX), A-29 Super Tucano, F-5M Tiger II, E-99 airborne early warning aircraft, KC-390 Millennium tanker-transport and the C-105 Amazonas. More than a thousand military personnel are involved, with modules covering air defense, infantry, command and control, communications, medical support and cyber defense.
The primary objective is to improve interoperability among Brazil’s armed forces, focusing on communication, coordination and synchronized action across service branches. The choice of Anápolis — home of the 1st Air Defense Group (1st GDA) and the 1st Air Defense Squadron — underscores the strategic importance of the Center-West region to Brazil’s national defense architecture.
