5526 is seen here approaching Natal AB in the last rays of sunlight during the exercise Cruzex 2024.

One of five A-1's participating in the exercise Cruzex 2024, seen here taxiing back at Natal AB after yet another mission.

One of five A-1's, and the only dual seater, participating in the exercise Cruzex 2024 at Natal AB

One of 11 Dual Seater AMX built for the Brazilian AF, and only one of two later modified to A-1BM standard. Between November 2 and 6, 2003, "5654" pictured here during CRUZEX 2024 was part of an ultra long 8000 km roundtrip mission dubbed "Operation Princess of the Pampas". Undertaken by five AMX's based at Santa Maria, the formation met five F-5E's in Manaus, from where four of each a/c type conducted a bombing run on a clandestine airstrip close to the Columbian border. After the smoke had cleared, the airstrip, regularly used by Columbian FARC rebels and drug traffickers, was no more.

In total, the Brazilian AF received 56 AMX ground attack aircraft as from 1989. They were all manufactured locally and designated the A-1A (single seat version), of which Brazil got 45, while the dual seater became the A-1B (11 units delivered). In the early 2000's, Embraer was tasked with an upgrade program, eventually leading to at least 11 airframes being modified to A-1AM (nine airframes) and A-1BM (two aircraft). The fate of the AMX in Brazil is sealed, the remaining aircraft will be retired by 2025. Note the Litening pod under the fuselage of 5523, operated by the "Poker" squadron.