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Since November 3, the Natal Air Base in Rio Grande do Norte has been the stage for the largest military air exercise in Latin America in 2024, Cruzeiro do Sul, better known as CRUZEX. This training has the participation of 16 countries, around 100 aircraft and 3.500 military personnel, in a series of simulated combats that aim to strengthen defense relations and improve the capabilities of the air forces involved. Among the highlights of the event, the clash between the F-39 Gripen E, from the Brazilian Air Force (FAB), and the powerful F-15 C Eagle from the United States Air Force (USAF) has been one of the most talked about moments, with the Brazilian fighter surprising everyone by “shooting down” two American aircraft in simulated combat.
CRUZEX brings together different air forces every year for training and simulated missions, and this year's event gained extra prominence with the participation of the F-39 Gripen E and F-15 C Eagle fighters, both making their debut in the simulation. Initially, the USAF intended to send F-16 fighters, but when they realized that the F-39 Gripen E had superior technology, the Americans opted to send the F-15 C Eagle, one of the most respected fighters in the United States' air arsenal, with a history of invincibility in real combat.
The simulated confrontation between the F-39 Gripen E and the F-15 C Eagle
On November 5th, the first simulated combat between the F-39 Gripen E and the F-15 C Eagle took place, a highly anticipated battle within CRUZEX. Both the models were equipped with long-range missiles – while the North American fighters used the AMRAAM-120 missiles, the Brazilian F-39 Gripen E had the modern MBDA Meteor missiles.
In the simulated scenario, the F-39 Gripen E won the confrontation against the F-15 C Eagle, resulting in a “score” of 2 to 0, which impressed both the experts present and the North American pilots.
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Technology and robustness of the F-39 Gripen E: the Brazilian differential
The performance of the F-39 Gripen E during CRUZEX not only ensured victory over the F-15 C Eagle, but also highlighted the technological advancement that Brazil has achieved with the acquisition of these fighters. Although the F-39 Gripen E is still in the initial phase of operations and far from its full capability, it already demonstrates exceptional robustness and electronic efficiency that caught the attention of other countries.
Equipped with advanced sensor systems, state-of-the-art radars and cyber warfare technology, the Gripen is capable of detecting and responding to threats quickly and accurately, unprecedented features in the Brazilian Air Force.
Repercussion and expectations
The success of the F-39 Gripen E against the F-15 C Eagle resonated among the participants of the CRUZEX exercise, boosting the morale of the FAB and reinforcing Brazil's status in the Latin American air defense scenario. Representatives from other countries observed with interest the performance of the Brazilian fighter, which is now seen as a reference for technology and combat power in the region.
With more operations and simulated engagements scheduled for the coming days, the F-39 Gripen E promises to continue attracting attention at CRUZEX 2024, consolidating itself as one of the most advanced fighters in operation in Latin America. The participation of the F-15 C Eagle brought a challenge to match, but the impressive performance of the Brazilian fighter shows that the FAB is prepared to face great powers, with cutting-edge technology and qualified pilots.
F15 trash.
What is your source for this?
If I heard correctly, FAB had excluded Metear for getting the opponent a fair fight and more challenge to the FAB pilots and still the prevailed with ease.