Cyber operations takes stage at CRUZEX 2024

For the first time in the history of CRUZEX, cyber operations played a pivotal role. CRUZEX 2024 introduced "CRUZEX CYBER," a simulated cyber exercise designed to integrate cyber defense with traditional air operations, marking a new frontier in military training.

CRUZEX, one of the largest multinational military exercises in Latin America, has traditionally focused on enhancing air and space operational coordination. This year, the addition of cyber scenarios aims to expand the scope of the exercise by highlighting the crucial intersection of cyber and aerospace domains.

"This integration allows both forces to benefit from real-time information sharing and strategic coordination," said Brazilian Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Tiago Josue Diedrich, Chief of the Cyber Operations Cell. "Cyber operations can support air-missions by reducing the risks of detection and direct confrontation, thereby enhancing mission efficiency and success in achieving strategic objectives."

In a "Capture the Flag" format, the exercise simulates a range of cyber challenges while testing participants' ability to defend and exploit systems crucial to aerospace operations. Each day, the team completes different missions related to the air operations.

"Today, we are deciphering messages and trying to locate audio to decrypt and if we're successful, we feed that information and intelligence to the wing for their aerial missions," said U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Robert Woods, Vermont Air National Guard cyber warfare officer. "At the end of the day, we go over everything and share each other's solutions because there are multiple ways, techniques and tools you can use to solve a problem."

Participants from Brazil, Colombia, Paraguay, Peru and the United States engaged in the simulated scenarios, working together to develop coordinated responses to cyber threats. On top of CRUZEX CYBER, there was simultaneously a space exercise being conducted to test the limits of each country's programs.

"This is the first year space has been a part of CRUZEX and so we are trying to help establish the ground of how this will look going into the future," said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jason Capostagno, New York Air National Guard, 107th Attack Wing space systems operator. "The exercise acts as a catalyst for us to meet our partners in a space environment and exchange best practices."

CRUZEX CYBER is a testament to fostering international collaboration and enhancing cybersecurity expertise across the participating nations. The training aims to fortify the resilience of critical military infrastructure and strengthen the strategic partnerships within the region.

"Cyber is going to be embedded in every piece of our cyber warfare and having a cyber force that is able to manage and work in these environments with our partners is immensely important," said Woods.

With the integration of cyber operations into a traditional aerospace-focused exercise, CRUZEX 2024 marks a significant step forward in preparing military forces for the complexities of modern warfare, where cyber threats are as real as physical ones.