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US Air Force HC-130J lands in Brazil for military exercise
A United States Air Force HC-130J Combat King II aircraft has landed at the Campo Grande Air Base in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. The aircraft is participating in the Joint Operational Exercise Tapio 2026, a military training program scheduled from August 14 to September 24, involving Brazilian, American, and other partner forces.
The presence of the aircraft has drawn significant attention due to its reported role in the January 3, 2026, operation in Caracas, Venezuela, which resulted in the capture of Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores. While the U.S. government has not officially confirmed which specific aircraft supported that mission, the HC-130J is a specialized Lockheed Martin platform used for combat search and rescue, tactical profiles, and aerial refueling of helicopters in hostile environments.
The Tapio 2026 exercise includes simulations of personnel recovery, search and rescue, and logistical support in remote or difficult-to-access areas. The aircraft is capable of operating in various weather conditions and performing tasks such as parachute drops, medical evacuations, and supply deliveries.
Entities
Brazilian Air Force · Campo Grande Air Base · Lockheed Martin · Nicolás Maduro · United States Air Force
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 10 SOURCES] A US Air Force HC-130J aircraft is currently located at the Campo Grande Air Base in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. www.estadao.com.br · www.infomoney.com.br · www.brasilemfolhas.com.br · cassilandiaurgente.com.br · www.radiocacula.com.br · +5 more
- [● 11 SOURCES] The HC-130J Combat King II was used to support U.S. troops during the operation that resulted in the capture of Nicolás Maduro in Caracas. www.reportermt.com · www.estadao.com.br · www.brasilemfolhas.com.br · cassilandiaurgente.com.br · www.radiocacula.com.br · +6 more
- [● 5 SOURCES] The Lockheed Martin HC-130J Combat King II is the only dedicated fixed-wing personnel recovery platform in the U.S. Air Force inventory. www.estadao.com.br · www.infomoney.com.br · www.brasilemfolhas.com.br · cassilandiaurgente.com.br · jornaldebrasilia.com.br
- [● 11 SOURCES] The aircraft is in Brazil to participate in the Joint Operational Exercise Tapio 2026. www.estadao.com.br · www.infomoney.com.br · www.brasilemfolhas.com.br · cassilandiaurgente.com.br · www.radiocacula.com.br · +6 more
- [● 6 SOURCES] Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores were captured by U.S. forces in Caracas on January 3, 2026. www.reportermt.com · cassilandiaurgente.com.br · www.radiocacula.com.br · operamundi.uol.com.br · revistaforum.com.br · +1 more