Flight Log 2023: A Year in Review - Portuguese Air Force
Santiago Anacleto • January 24, 2024
In 2023, the Portuguese Air Force played a vital role in safeguarding the nation through diverse missions. From airspace surveillance ensuring territorial integrity to swift search and rescue operations, their commitment was evident. Maritime patrolling bolstered security at sea, and their support in wildfire fighting efforts showcased versatility. Let's see the numbers:
Source: Força Aérea Portuguesa / Portuguese Air Force
Beja, Portugal - The sharp sound of helicopter blades echoes in a silent sky, between remote mountains and vast plains. Inside, trained eyes observe the terrain, steady hands control the cyclic, and beating hearts follow the same purpose: to save, protect, and train. They are the “Zangões” of the 552 Squadron of the Portuguese Air Force.
Viana do Castelo hosted the Portuguese Navy Day 2025 celebrations, highlighting the importance of Portugal's historical and strategic connection to the sea.
At Santa Margarida Military Camp, soldiers from Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, and Romania are preparing side by side for real missions to defend Europe.
For years, the NRP Barracuda (S164) sailed silently in the waters of the Atlantic, carrying out surveillance missions and defending Portugal's maritime sovereignty. Today, it is anchored in time, transformed into Portugal's first submarine museum, allowing visitors to explore its interior and immerse themselves in the history of our Navy.
Between April 7 and 11, the Portuguese Army carried out Exercise BAMBARI 25 at the Santa Margarida Military Field, as part of the preparation of the 17th National Deployed Force (17th FND) that will be deployed to the Central African Republic (República Centro-Africana (RCA)). This force will be integrated as a Quick Reaction Force (QRF) in the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (Missão Multidimensional Integrada das Nações Unidas para a Estabilização da República Centro-Africana (MINUSCA)).
Aviation and military photography requires a very specific set of tools, where speed, precision and reliability are essential. I recently had the opportunity to test Canon's latest flagship, the EOS R1, alongside a veteran that is still relevant today, the Canon EF 300mm f/2.8 L USM. The combination of these two pieces of equipment proved to be a top-notch solution for both fast action and low-light scenarios. Here's my experience and impressions of this setup.
Between March 17 and 21, 2025, the Santa Margarida Military Camp in Constância, Portugal, hosted the “STRONG IMPACT 25” multinational military exercise. This exercise brought together nearly 500 military personnel from Portugal, Spain and France, with the aim of training and improving field artillery and anti-aircraft capabilities when employed in high-intensity operations, as well as strengthening interoperability between allied forces.
Between February 4 and 14, Exercise AIRBORNE DAGGER 25 will take place, conducted by the Rapid Reaction Brigade (Brigada de Reação Rápida - BrigRR). The purpose of this exercise is to plan, train and exercise the technical and tactical procedures of an Airborne Operation at Brigade level. The operation includes the airdrop of personnel and material using two Portuguese Air Force tactical airlift aircraft, namely the C-130H from 501 Squadron - “Bisontes” and the KC 390 from 506 Squadron - “Rinocerontes”.
As part of the preparation for the European Union Battlegroup 2025-2/2026-1, the 10.5 Towed Field Artillery Group (No. 4 Artillery Regiment) of the Rapid Reaction Brigade has been involved over the last few days in the Training Field Exercise/Live Fire Exercise (FTX/LFX) phases of exercise TROVÃO 251
From November 18 to 29, the towns of Ponte de Sor, Bemposta and Santa Margarida hosted the first in a series of three exercises aimed at preparing the military for the reality they may encounter in a region affected by a crisis or conflict.