Portuguese 
English 
Spanish 
2 min of reading 
1 comment 
The Brazilian Navy Leads One of the Largest International Naval Coalitions to Protect Essential Maritime Trade Routes
The Brazilian Navy has taken command of the Mare Liberum V Operation, integrated into the Combined Task Force 151 (CTF-151).
The operation is coordinated by the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), which is made up of 47 countries.
The mission operates in the Western Indian Ocean, considered critical for global trade.
Data from 2024 from Unctad indicate that more than 80% of trade exchanges depend on these strategic routes.
Strategic Areas Under Continuous Monitoring
Operations take place in the Gulf of Aden, the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, and the Somalia Basin. These regions recorded peaks of piracy between 2008 and 2012, according to the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Japanese aircraft P-3 Orion, employed since 2010, enhance continuous surveillance in these vulnerable areas.
Technology and Interoperability Among Naval Forces
The involved navies conduct joint patrols and use advanced surveillance systems.
These forces also utilize drones, unmanned platforms, and electronic monitoring to enhance response capacity.
According to Rear Admiral Marcelo Lancellotti, commander of CTF-151 in 2025, “operational alignment and data sharing strengthen international cooperation and ensure safer seas”.
-
Brazilian Navy disables 50 dredges in the Amazon, causing millions in losses to illegal mining operating in the rivers of Amazonas.
-
With 360-degree radar, the U.S. Navy receives its 70th E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft and reinforces air surveillance on aircraft carriers.
-
The MQ-25A Stingray doesn’t fire a single shot — but the drone that made its first flight in April 2026 will double the range of the entire U.S. Navy fighter fleet.
-
The Brazilian Navy coordinates the largest riverine operation in Latin America and mobilizes international forces in a military action that impresses with its scale and strategy – learn about Operation ACRUX XII
Legal Integration and Cooperation with the Maritime Industry
The operation includes the Law Seminar on Counter Piracy Actions, scheduled for February 2025, and thus promotes essential legal debates.
The event will bring together legal experts to discuss the legal foundations of anti-piracy actions and, thereby, strengthen the rule-based maritime order.
CTF-151 maintains constant dialogue with shipping companies and encourages Best Management Practices – Maritime Security (BMP), thereby enhancing operational security.
These practices have been recommended by the IMO since 2011 and, therefore, are part of international guidelines.
Joint Training and Strengthening Maritime Security
During Mare Liberum V, Brazil conducts training with navies from East Africa and thus strengthens technical integration.
The country also trains forces from the Middle East, promoting standardization of procedures and technical improvement, thereby strengthening interoperability.
Established in 2009, the Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor (IRTC) remains an essential corridor for commercial vessels and consequently ensures greater security.
The IRTC integrates ships from EUNAVFOR and other allied nations, thus consolidating multinational cooperation.
Não deixa de ser, uma grande responsabilidade nessas tarefas.