South America's major military air exercise takes off in the north of Brazil

Tuesday, November 5th 2013 - 07:26 UTC

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The Cruzex 2013 exercise is under the command of the FAB's Brigadier Mario Jordao

An international military exercise, organized by the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) and considered the largest in South America, began Monday at the country's two northeastern air bases, with the participation of air forces from Canada, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, United States, Uruguay and Venezuela. Argentina dropped out at last moment.

The FAB said in a statement that the two air bases at Natal in the state of Rio Grande do Norte and at Recife in the state of Pernambuco -- are hosting 86 airplanes and nine helicopters, and more than 2,000 Brazilian and foreign military personnel who were taking part in the drill called Cruzex 2013.

“Cruzex also develops cooperation and good relationship between the participant Air Forces considering training experience sharing in a coalition environment,” said the FAB in the statement.

The exercise, held at the command of the FAB's Brigadier Mario Jordao in charge of the Brazilian states of Rio Grande do Norte, Ceara, Paraiba and Pernambuco, as well as the Atlantic Ocean, will last till Nov. 15, aiming to provide advanced training for military personnel in a modern-war environment. The first military drill of the kind was conducted in 2002.

Among the participating aircraft are a US Air Force C-4 Galaxy, F16 fighters; Super Tucanos from Ecuador; Pucara and Dragonfly from Uruguay and two 130J Hercules aircraft from Canada among others.

Categories: Politics, Brazil, Latin America.

Tags: Brazil, Brazilean Air Force, Brigadier Mario Jordao, Cruzex 2013.

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LEPRecon
Argentina dropped out at the last moment.

They suddenly remembered that their aircraft are deathtraps, and would look ridiculous compared to most other nations.

Plus, the also remembered that they don't have any US dollars to buy the aviation fuel, and Brazil wasn't going to buy it for them.
Nov 05th, 2013 - 08:47 am 0
Faz
Argentina...... lol!

The truth is that the Brazilians didnt think 5 Tiger Moths and a DH Rapide would add anything to the party...
Nov 05th, 2013 - 11:31 am 0
zathras
Heck we have those flying over my village all the time in the summer. The joy of living near the IWM Duxford. I've even flown in both types too.
Nov 05th, 2013 - 12:59 pm 0

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