Rio de Janeiro is rolling out one of its largest peacetime security operations in recent memory as leaders and senior officials from the Global South’s major emerging economies convene in the coastal city for this week’s Brics summit.
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Officials say about 20,000 military personnel will be deployed to guard leaders from 28 countries and seven international organizations, including the UN and the World Bank.
Airspace over the summit venue, Rio’s Museum of Modern Art, will be strictly controlled. Armed fighter jets will patrol the skies to intercept unauthorised aircraft. In extreme cases, Brazil’s air force has authority to shoot down planes that pose a threat and refuse to comply with orders.
For security reasons, Santos Dumont Airport, the main airport for domestic flights in Rio, just minutes from the summit venue, will close during the meetings.
Flights will be rerouted through Galeão International Airport, the city’s international terminal. Only planes carrying government officials and security teams will be able to use Santos Dumont Airport.
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Brazil last used armed fighter jets to secure a major event during the 2016 Olympics. Officials have not disclosed how many aircraft will be in the air, but at least two F-5EM jets, capable of speeds near 2,000km/h and armed with Brazilian-made Piranha missiles and US-built Sidewinders, will be on standby to enforce the no-fly zone.
This special security arrangement was not used at other large-scale events, such as the World Cup or during the G20 summit last year.