Navios-aeródromos e a aviação embarcada na estratégia naval brasileira

Abstract

The objective of this thesis is to investigate whet her an aircraft carrier and carrier-based aircraft are compatible with the current Brazilian naval strategy. The focus is on carriers capable of fixed-wing aircraft operation, but big-d eck amphibious assault ships are also included. The theory of Naval Air Power developed b y Robert C. Rubel emphasizes the roles and capabilities of U.S. aircraft carriers, in cont rast with other aviation-capable ships. In Brazil, the strategic views of Armando Vidigal favo r a balanced navy able to operate in the South Atlantic up to the African coast, while the v iews of Mário César Flores are defensive, and focus on the Western half of the South Atlantic . Brazil's strategic surroundings, as defined by the National Defense Policy, include South Ameri ca, the South Atlantic, Western Africa, and Antarctica. According to José Augusto Abreu de Moura, the new Brazilian naval strategy, which resulted from the National Defense Strategy a nd the Brazilian Naval Modernization Plan, has two aims. The first priority, emphasizing the use of submarines, is defense of the littoral and the EEZ against a powerful enemy. The second, requiring a balanced fleet, is defense of the sea lines of communication, as well as participation in UN-sponsored operations abroad. Concerning the navy, the Nationa l Defense Strategy gives priority to submarines and sea denial as a starting point for m odernization, but includes sea control and projection of power ashore among its objectives, sp ecifically mentioning aircraft carriers, big- deck amphibians, carrier-based aircraft, and a mari ne expeditionary capability. Carrier-based aircraft are very important for strike operations a nd to provide air support for amphibious operations, and are essential for air defense at se a. The Brazilian Naval Modernization Plan includes the construction of two aircraft carriers and four big-deck amphibious assault ships, as well as the acquisition of naval aircraft, but s uch plan may be unaffordable under the current financial difficulties. In a tight-budget s cenario, the operational life of Brazil's only carrier may be extended by modernization, to preser ve the capability to operate carrier-based fixed-wing aircraft for fleet air defense and suppo rt of amphibious operations. When money is short, choices must be made. If the Brazilian Navy is forced to give up its carrier capability, and to reduce the number of fleet units, the reach of its operations will suffer a reduction.