As part of the air security operation established for the BRICS Summit 2025, held from July 4 to 7 in the city of Rio de Janeiro, the Brazilian Air Force (FAB), using its Super Tucano aircraft, reported the interception of three aircraft that violated the restricted airspace with unauthorized flights set in place to protect the event.
On Saturday, July 5, two air incursions were recorded flying over exclusion zones without proper authorization. Both were intercepted by A-29 Super Tucano attack aircraft, which escorted the aircraft out of the restricted area after verifying their flight plans. In addition, a third case was reported in which an unauthorized helicopter immediately exited the zone upon detecting the presence of an A-29, landing in an isolated area. The location was communicated to security forces.
The aerial deployment is part of the framework coordinated by the Command of Aerospace Operations (COMAE) and the Department of Airspace Control (DECEA), in compliance with Decree 12,542 of July 1, 2025, which regulates the actions of the Brazilian Aerospace Defense System (SISDABRA) during high-level events such as the Meeting of Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors of BRICS and the BRICS Summit Meeting.
In this context, on Friday, July 4, the Local Operations Cell (COL) for air defense was established at the Rio de Janeiro Approach Control (APP-RJ), an operational body of the DECEA located at Galeão International Airport.
In addition to the A-29 attack aircraft, the FAB maintains continuous flight operations with an E-99 electronic surveillance aircraft, tasked with monitoring the airspace using advanced radar technology. The defense setup also includes F-5M fighter jets, KC-390 Millennium tankers, H-60L Black Hawk helicopters, and other platforms to ensure a rapid response to any air threat.
The DECEA activated, on July 3, the Master Command and Control Room at the Air Navigation Management Center (CGNA) in Rio de Janeiro. From there, all air operations related to the event are coordinated in real time, with authority to authorize, restrict, or cancel flights based on criteria of safety, efficiency, and predictability.
As part of the security protocol, three air exclusion zones were established (white, yellow, and red), in which flights must meet strict requirements: submit a complete flight plan, keep the transponder active, and maintain constant contact with air traffic control. Unauthorized entry may result in the aircraft being classified as suspicious or hostile, with corresponding Airspace Policing Measures (MPEA) applied.
With these operations, Brazil reaffirms its commitment to air safety, national sovereignty, and the protection of the international delegations participating in BRICS, one of the most relevant political and economic forums in today’s global landscape.
*Images for illustrative purposes only
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