Brazil’s Operación Saci: LatAm’s premier military drill showcases elite paratroopers and airpower

On the evening of August 21st, Brazil initiated one of Latin America’s most extensive military drills, known as ‘Operación Saci’.

470 paratroopers from the 27th Paratrooper Infantry Battalion, also called Task Force VELAME, took off from the Viracopos International Airport fully equipped and combat-ready.

The Brazilian Air Force facilitated the deployment, using aircraft such as the Embraer KC-390 Millennium, Airbus Military C-105 Amazonas, and Embraer C-95 Bandeirante.

These paratroopers descended into a designated area at a private airport in Itirapina, near São Carlos, marking a key strategic point.

Pilots extensively utilized night-vision goggles and cutting-edge navigation systems where available for deployment.

Before the primary paratrooper team’s nighttime drop, special forces known as Precursores Paracaidistas had already infiltrated the area.

These elite units specialize in both day and night air infiltration into hostile territories, setting up the zone for the main paratrooper force and gathering intelligence.

According to the Brazilian Army Infantry Battalion Manual, an airborne operation consists of four stages: assembly, aerial movement, assault, and subsequent operations.

Planning considerations include weather conditions, terrain, potential enemy use of armored vehicles or aircraft, and available aerial resources.

While the Army provides ground forces, the air resources come from the Air Force.

These ground forces, specifically trained for airborne operations, can deploy either by parachute or in mixed fashion during the day or night.

The Air Force’s responsibilities also include transporting valuable equipment and vehicles. Noteworthy among these are the 6×6 IDV Guaraní armored vehicles.

Deployed using the Embraer KC-390 Millennium, these vehicles bolster the paratroopers’ firepower and ground capabilities, particularly against armored threats.

This article was produced by The Rio Times’ automated newsroom system. How we use AI · Report an error