RCAF strengthens disaster response cooperation in Brazil

May 20, 2026 - Royal Canadian Air

Estimated read time - 1:55

Capo Grande, Brazil - Members of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) worked alongside partners from across the Americas during Exercise COOPERACIÓN 2026, strengthening interoperability and sharing expertise in disaster response operations.

Hosted by the Brazilian Air Force, the multinational exercise brings together air and ground personnel from multiple nations to rehearse coordinated responses to complex disaster-relief scenarios. Canada's participation reflects its commitment to international collaboration and its longstanding role within the Sistema de Cooperación de las Fuerzas Aéreas Americanas (SICOFAA), of which it has been a member since 1992.

The RCAF has participated in COOPERACIÓN exercises since the inaugural iteration in 2010 in Chile, contributing airlift and search and rescue (SAR) capabilities, while building partnerships across the region.

This year, personnel from 435 Transport and Rescue (T&R) Squadron in Winnipeg are contributing their operational expertise and supporting the exercise with their specialized capabilities in responding to natural disaster situations. During the exercise, 435 T&R Sqn conducted familiarization flights to build situational awareness of the training area and demonstrate Canadian capabilities to international partners and media.

A key highlight was a multinational parachute operation during a subsequent flying mission, where Canadian SAR Technicians and members of the Brazilian Air Force's PARA-SAR unit executed a coordinated jump from approximately 10,000 feet above the airfield.

"The jump with Brazilian PARA-SAR operators went very smoothly. With 12 jumpers exiting at 10,000 feet, I was impressed by how tight and professional the jump was. Our procedures are very similar, which shows how effectively we can operate together. It was a proud moment to share knowledge and complete the mission as a team."
- Master Corporal Matt Henry, Search and Rescue Technician, 435 Transport and Rescue Squadron

Canadian SAR Techs also supported a multinational mass casualty (MASCAL) simulation, working with partners to coordinate medical response in a high-tempo environment. Additional missions included joint parachute operations with personnel from Argentina and Brazil, supported by a United States aircrew.

Canadian Armed Forces members also contributed to the Combined Air Operations Centre (CAOC), helping plan and coordinate activities alongside international counterparts.

"This exercise has been an excellent opportunity for our personnel to train alongside partners from across the Americas and share operational experience. I've been particularly impressed by how seamlessly our members have integrated into multinational teams, demonstrating the adaptability and professionalism essential to disaster response operations."
- Lieutenant-Colonel Wes Cromwell, Air Task Force Commander

Participation by 435 T&R Sqn highlights the RCAF's experience in domestic emergency response, and humanitarian assistance. By sharing these lessons with partners, Canada contributes to a collective ability to respond to disasters across the region.

Rooted in the SAR ethos, "That Others May Live," Canadian participation reflects a commitment to collaboration, professionalism, and service at home and abroad.