Brazilian Air Force
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| Brazilian Air Force | |
|---|---|
 Tonyjeff, based on militar symbol. · Public domain · source | |
| Unit name | Brazilian Air Force |
| Native name | Força Aérea Brasileira |
| Dates | 20 January 1941 – present |
| Country | Brazil |
| Type | Air force |
| Role | Aerial warfare |
| Size | 77,454 personnel (2023) |
| Command structure | Brazilian Armed Forces |
| Garrison | Brasília |
| Garrison label | Headquarters |
| Motto | "Asas que protegem o país", ("Wings that protect the country") |
| Anniversaries | 22 May (Aviation Day) |
| Battles | World War II, United Nations Operation in the Congo, 1964 Brazilian coup d'état, Araguaia Guerrilla War, United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti |
| Commander1 label | Commander |
| Notable commanders | Nero Moura, Eduardo Gomes, Brigadeiro Oswaldo Pamplona |
| Identification symbol label | Roundel |
| Aircraft attack | AMX A-1, A-29 Super Tucano |
| Aircraft electronic | Embraer R-99/ERJ-145 |
| Aircraft fighter | F-5EM, F-39 Gripen |
| Aircraft helicopter | AS532 Cougar, UH-60 Black Hawk, HB350 Esquilo |
| Aircraft patrol | P-99, P-3AM Orion |
| Aircraft recon | R-99 |
| Aircraft trainer | EMB 312 Tucano, AT-26 Xavante |
| Aircraft transport | KC-390 Millennium, C-130 Hercules, VC-1A, ERJ-135/145 |
Brazilian Air Force. The Brazilian Air Force is the aerial warfare branch of the Brazilian Armed Forces and one of the three uniformed services of the nation. Formed in 1941 through the merger of the country's existing army and naval aviation services, it has since grown into the largest air force in Latin America. Its primary mission is to maintain the sovereignty of Brazilian airspace and project national power through a diverse array of aircraft and capabilities.
History
The service was officially created by President Getúlio Vargas during World War II, consolidating the Brazilian Army Aviation and the Brazilian Naval Aviation into a single force. Its first major operational deployment was the Brazilian Expeditionary Force's 1st Fighter Aviation Group, which saw combat in the Italian Campaign flying Republic P-47 Thunderbolt aircraft. During the Cold War, it was involved in internal security operations, including the 1964 Brazilian coup d'état and counter-insurgency efforts during the Araguaia Guerrilla War. Modern international deployments have included participation in the United Nations Operation in the Congo and the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti.
Organization
The force is organized into four major operational commands: Aerospace Operations Command, responsible for integrated air defense and space operations; Air Force Operations Command, managing tactical air units; Airspace Control Department, overseeing civilian and military air traffic; and the Logistics Command. Key subordinate formations include the III Regional Air Command in Recife and the V Regional Air Command in Canoas. The Brazilian Aerospace Defense Command is a joint organization with the Brazilian Army and Brazilian Navy.
Aircraft inventory
Its fleet includes fighter aircraft such as the modernized F-5EM and the newly acquired F-39 Gripen, which is replacing older models. The attack and light attack roles are filled by the AMX A-1 and the A-29 Super Tucano. Key transport assets include the indigenous KC-390 Millennium and the C-130 Hercules. Maritime patrol is conducted by the P-3AM Orion, while intelligence gathering utilizes the R-99 platform.
Major bases and facilities
Primary operational bases include Anápolis Air Base, home to fighter squadrons; Santa Cruz Air Force Base, a major transport and maritime patrol hub; and Galeão Air Force Base in Rio de Janeiro. The Aerospace Operations Command is headquartered at Brasília Air Force Base. Other significant installations are São Paulo Air Force Base, Canoas Air Force Base, and the Alcântara Launch Center, which is a crucial site for satellite launches.
Role and missions
Its fundamental role is to guarantee the sovereignty of Brazilian airspace under the doctrine of Brazilian Air Power. Core missions include aerospace defense, strategic and tactical airlift, close air support, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. It also conducts national integration missions through transport and medical evacuation flights to remote regions like the Amazon Basin. The service plays a key role in United Nations peacekeeping operations and provides humanitarian aid both domestically and internationally.
Command structure and leadership
The force is part of the Ministry of Defence and is directly subordinate to the President of Brazil as Commander-in-Chief. The highest-ranking officer is the Commander of the Brazilian Air Force, a Tenente-Brigadeiro (Lieutenant General) appointed by the president. The current organizational structure places operational control under the Aerospace Operations Command commander. Historical leaders who shaped the institution include Eduardo Gomes, a co-founder, and Nero Moura, who commanded the 1st Fighter Aviation Group in World War II.
Category:Military of Brazil Category:Air forces by country