Cruzex

Origins and Evolution

The Cruzeiro do Sul Exercise, known as CRUZEX, began in 2002 as an initiative of the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) to bolster regional defense capabilities and promote interoperability among allied air forces in the Americas and beyond. Originally designed to simulate complex air combat scenarios in South America, it quickly evolved into one of the largest multinational military aviation exercises in the hemisphere. Held biennially in Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, CRUZEX has grown in scale, scope, and technical sophistication, culminating in CRUZEX 2024—its most ambitious edition yet.

CRUZEX 2024

Running from November 3 to 15, CRUZEX VIII featured 16 countries, over 3,000 personnel, and nearly 100 aircraft. Hosted once again at Natal Air Base, the exercise emphasized integrated multi-domain operations (air, space, and cyber), marking the first time cyber and space elements were formally included in CRUZEX. Over 800 flight missions were flown, totaling more than 1,500 flight hours and incorporating over 450 paratrooper drops.

Participating Nations & Contributions

Brazil

  • Brazil fielded its cutting-edge F-39E Gripen fighter for the first time in CRUZEX, marking its operational debut in a multinational environment.
  • Complementary platforms included F-5EM, A-1 AMX, and A-29 Super Tucano aircraft.
  • Brazilian KC-390s were central to transport and aerial refueling, supported by E-99M AEW&C systems and H-36 Caracal helicopters.
  • The Brazilian Navy also participated with its AF-1B Skyhawk fighters, operating from land bases to simulate naval strike missions. These aircraft contributed to joint operations with FAB assets and participated in COMAO scenarios, adding a maritime attack dimension to the exercise.
  • The FAB led the integration of cyber and space domains, with teams running the newly introduced CRUZEX CYBER and SPACE Operations Cell.

United States

  • The U.S. participated with four F-15C Eagle fighters from the Louisiana Air National Guard—marking the first time these aircraft flew in Brazilian airspace.
  • A KC-46A Pegasus provided aerial refueling support while U.S. personnel contributed extensively to cyber warfare simulations and space domain awareness exercises.

Argentina

  • Argentina flew IA-63 Pampa II trainers in ground-attack roles, while a KC-130H Hercules supported paratrooper and logistics operations.

Chile

  • Chile brought six F-16 Fighting Falcons for multirole missions, including strike and escort tasks. Furthermore, a KC-135E Stratotanker enabled multinational air refueling.

Colombia

  • Colombia had planned to participated with IAI Kfir Block 60 jets to perform air superiority missions, however they withdrew their participation closer to the event. Colombia still sent their sole KC-767 Jupiter tanker to support long-range operations.

The Colombian Air Force’s KC-767 is a Boeing KC-767 MMTT “Júpiter” multi-mission tanker transport aircraft that combines aerial refueling, cargo, and personnel transport roles. Colombia operates one KC-767 in service, which was delivered in 2010 and is assigned to the Escuadrón de Transporte 811 of the Comando Aéreo de Transporte Militar (CATAM), based at El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá. During CRUZEX 2024 the aircraft conducted air-to-air refueling missions in support of various participating air forces, showcasing its aerial refueling and interoperability capabilities alongside aircraft from several countries.

Paraguay

  • Paraguay participated for the first time with two AT-27 Tucano aircraft and a C-212 Aviocar for light transport and support. The Paraguayan Air Force’s AT-27 Tucanos are Embraer EMB-312 AT-27 turboprop training and light attack aircraft operated by the Fuerza Aérea Paraguaya (FAP). Paraguay’s inventory historically included six AT-27 Tucanos, which serve in roles including pilot training and light attack/air support missions and are based with units such as the Grupo Aerotáctico at Silvio Pettirossi International Airport near Asunción.

Peru

  • Peru brought 5 KT-1P aircraft and a KC-130 for transport and training missions. These aircraft contributed to airborne assault scenarios and cyber domain simulations.

The Peruvian Air Force sent over 5 FAP KT-1Ps to participate at Cruzex 2024. The KT-1P is used by the Peruvian Air Force to provide basic training for its pilots and perform tactical flights in patrol and support missions in the Vraem region. It can also be deployed in missions such as counter-terrorism, drug trafficking, and illegal mining in the Valley of the Rivers Apurimac, Ene, and Mantaro. The KT-1Ps replaced the ageing EMB-312 and MB-399 aircraft that were previosuly operated by the FAP.

The aircraft is powered by a single Pratt & Whitney PT6A-62 engine and fitted with a four-blade HC-E4N-2D / E9512G(B)-1 propeller. The fuel capacity of the aircraft is 110 gallons and produces a maximum speed of 450km/h and a range of 688km, reaching an altitude of 10,000m. The G limit of the aircraft is between -3.5g and +7.0g and its endurance is four hours.

In November 2012, the Peruvian Government signed a $210m agreement with Korea to acquire 20 KT-1P military trainer aircraft. The first four aircraft were exported by Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI), while the remaining aircraft were jointly manufactured by KAI and the FAP’s Maintenance Service Department (SEMAN) in Peru. The FAP’s SEMAN manufactured structural parts and performed final assembly for 16 aircraft, while KAI managed training, implementation and delivery of special tools and equipment at its local production base at Las Palmas Air Base in Lima. The first KT-1P produced in Peru performed its maiden flight in April 2015.

Portugal

  • The Portuguese Air Force made a debut appearance with a KC-390 Millennium, joining Brazil in transport and aerial refueling missions.

Observer Nations

  • Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Sweden, South Africa, Ecuador, and Uruguay attended in observational roles, participating in planning and debriefing sessions.

Mission Types & Operational Highlights

COMAO (Composite Air Operations): Multi-aircraft missions combining fighters, tankers, and support platforms. Blue and red forces alternated in offensive and defensive operations. Gripens, F-15s, and F-16s engaged in simulated engagements, with Gripens reportedly outperforming legacy aircraft in air combat scenarios.

Air Refueling: Conducted by Brazil (KC-390), Chile (KC-135), Colombia (KC-767), Portugal (KC-390), Argentina and Peru (KC-130), and the U.S. (KC-46). These missions extended operational range and tempo.

ISR & AEW&C: Led by Brazil’s E-99M, supported by multinational space cell inputs using synthetic aperture radar and optical imaging for real-time battlefield awareness.

Paratrooper Drops: Joint missions conducted by Brazil, Argentina, and Peru utilizing KC-390 and C-130 aircraft to simulate special operations insertions.

CRUZEX CYBER: Teams from Brazil, the U.S., Colombia, Paraguay, and Peru engaged in Capture-the-Flag cyber scenarios defending simulated aerospace infrastructure.

SPACE Operations Cell: Simulated orbital events, anti-satellite threats, and near-real-time satellite reconnaissance planning. Participants included Brazil, the U.S., Chile, Colombia, and Peru.

Reflections and Legacy

CRUZEX 2024 showcased the evolution of Latin American and allied air power into a fully multi-domain force, capable of integrating space and cyber threats into traditional air combat and support operations. Brazil’s leadership role was evident—not only in hosting and coordination, but also in deploying the Gripen E as a formidable asset. The U.S. deepened its hemispheric ties with a strong aerial and digital presence.

By uniting diverse airframes—from legacy platforms like the A-4AR and F-5EM to advanced systems like the F-15C and Gripen E—CRUZEX provided a rare, realistic environment for coalition interoperability. It set a new standard for multinational training, affirming its value in preparing air forces for future conflict domains.

CRUZEX VIII concluded not only as Latin America’s most robust air exercise to date, but as a symbol of growing strategic coordination in the Western Hemisphere.