With a force of approximately 2,000 military personnel and more than 100 naval, air and marine assets, the Brazilian Navy (MB) provides maritime and coastal security for the city of Rio de Janeiro (RJ), where the BRICS Summit will take place on July 6 and 7. The MB has activated a Naval Component Force (FNC) that will operate between July 2 and 9 to ensure the security of a maritime area of 270.68 km², which includes the beaches of Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon, São Conrado and Recreio, as well as the Marina da Glória – where the meeting of world leaders will be held – and other areas of interest, such as Guanabara Bay and critical infrastructure, such as submarine cables and pipelines.
The FNC’s work, in conjunction with other public security agencies, aims to ensure the safety and well-being of Heads of State, central bank authorities and delegations from BRICS member countries who will be in the country, as well as the population and tourists. With the activation of the Redeemer Joint Operational Command, under the coordination of the Ministry of Defense, the FNC was given responsibilities in the maritime and coastal areas of the capital of Rio de Janeiro.
At sea, the Navy is active in naval patrolling, patrolling and controlling maritime areas, and interdicting maritime areas. Within this scope, the Force will, for example, interdict maritime areas near BRICS meeting sites, especially near the Museum of Modern Art and Marina da Glória. It will also be able to conduct diving operations and protect critical infrastructure, as well as being ready to be used to transport Marine Corps (CFN) troops and evacuate authorities if necessary.
Once on land, with specialized CFN troops capable of rapid response, the Naval Component Force is responsible for perimeter surveillance and security actions, in addition to being able to reinforce the security of sensitive locations, carry out actions against nuclear, biological, chemical and radiological (NBQR) threats, patrol roads and control disturbances. It also plays a strategic role in protecting event venues, accommodations and critical infrastructure in the coastal region of Rio de Janeiro. The action includes tactical response to security incidents and support for the evacuation of authorities, expanding the scope of preventive measures and reinforcing the safe environment during the Summit.
The Commander of the FNC, Rear Admiral Robledo de Lemos Costa e Sá, highlights the cooperative and integrated nature of the operation.