Brazilian Air Force Upgrades Firefighting Power with KC-390 and CAFFS

The Brazilian Air Force (FAB) equips its KC-390 Millennium fleet with the new CAFFS system, reports the FAB on January 29, 2025.

This move strengthens Brazil’s response to worsening wildfires. The Zeus Squadron launches 24 containers, each holding 1,000 liters, totaling 24,000 liters per mission.

Wildfires rage across Brazil, hitting the Amazon, Pantanal, and São Paulo hard in 2024, driven by drought and climate change. The FAB flies over 100 missions last year, dropping 1 million liters with the KC-390’s MAFFS II system.

Now, CAFFS adds flexibility, releasing water by gravity for precise attacks. Embraer’s KC-390, a tactical transport plane, handles 26-ton payloads and flies at 988 km/h, outpacing rivals by 40%.

The FAB integrates CAFFS without modifying the aircraft, using standard delivery methods. Major Anderson Dias Santiago praises its low cost and efficiency, boosting response times.

The CAFFS system, built by Caylym, works on C-130s, C-17s, and CH-47s globally, proving its reliability. Containers drop, dispersing water in overlapping patterns to douse flames or build retardant lines.

Brazil’s Aerial Firefighting Technology Gains Global Attention

Meanwhile, MAFFS II pumps out 12,000 liters in 7 seconds, complementing CAFFS for larger fires. Brazil faces record fire seasons, with the Pantanal suffering massive losses in 2024, pushing the FAB to act fast.

The KC-390 logs a 93% availability rate, completing 99% of missions, vital for emergencies. Adding a second MAFFS II unit in December 2024 doubles capacity, enhancing reach.

Businesses eye this technology as nations like Portugal and South Korea buy KC-390s, drawn by its firefighting edge. The FAB’s strategy cuts costs and maximizes aircraft use, appealing to defense and disaster management sectors.

Rapid assembly keeps CAFFS ready for sudden outbreaks. The system’s debut marks a practical step, not a flashy one, amid Brazil’s 8.5 million square kilometers of vulnerable land.

Questions linger about container cleanup, but the FAB focuses on results. This upgrade signals Brazil’s push to lead in aerial firefighting solutions.