Navy deploys ‘ScanEagle’ and NPA ‘Babitonga’ in exercise

Original article from Defesa em Foco by Marcelo Barros in Portuguese here.

In southern Brazil , the Brazilian Navy demonstrated its versatility and capacity for integrated action during the Operational Exercise of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (EXOP IVR 2025) . Held between March 10 and 24 , the training included the participation of the Patrol Vessel “Babitonga” and the remotely piloted aircraft RQ-1 “ScanEagle” , integrating monitoring, patrolling and support actions for joint operations with the Army and Air Force .

Integration between naval and air resources

Photo courtesy of Defesa em Foco

Operating in the coastal strip between Chuí and the Mostardas Lighthouse , the Patrol Vessel “Babitonga” performed area interdiction, port defense and maritime surveillance functions , rigorously fulfilling the mission of protecting Brazil’s interests in jurisdictional waters. In the air, the RQ-1 “ScanEagle” flew in support of reconnaissance missions, contributing with real-time data and increasing the efficiency of naval and land actions .

The exercise was unprecedented in that it brought together, for the first time, remotely piloted aircraft from the three Armed Forces : the RQ-900 from the FAB, the Nauru 1000C from the Army and the ScanEagle from the Navy. This integration demonstrated the doctrinal evolution of the use of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (IVR) systems , covering the five domains of military power: space, cyber, air, land and sea .

National security beyond the military sphere

EXOP IVR 2025 also highlighted the importance of interagency cooperation to strengthen national defense and security . The NPa “Babitonga” operated in close coordination with civilian agencies such as the Federal Police and the Environmental Patrol of the Military Brigade of Rio Grande do Sul , expanding the protection network of the southern coast of the country.

This integration represents more than an operational partnership: it is a model of joint action between military and civilian personnel aimed at protecting critical infrastructure, combating cross-border crimes and environmental monitoring. The exercise reinforces the need for full interoperability between public security entities , especially in times of hybrid threats and multidimensional challenges.

Evolving Joint Readiness and Doctrine

EXOP IVR 2025 establishes a new level of preparation and readiness for the Brazilian Armed Forces . By testing the ability to operate in a coordinated manner in all domains, the exercise reaffirms the importance of a robust and constantly updated joint doctrine .

The Navy’s participation with the “ScanEagle” and the NPa “Babitonga” demonstrates its ability to operate flexibly, integrate multiple systems and act efficiently in deterrence and combat scenarios. More than just training, the exercise represents a direct investment in national security , reaffirming the strategic role of the Brazilian Navy in defending the coast, controlling maritime space and protecting sovereignty.