Portuguese Air Force

The Portuguese Air Force, formally known as the Força Aérea Portuguesa (FAP), is the aerial warfare branch of the Portuguese Armed Forces. Originally established on July 1, 1952, the FAP has a history dating back to 1912 when the Portuguese Army created an aviation component. Throughout its existence, the Portugal Air Force has played a significant role in the defense and security of the country. Comprising a range of aircraft and personnel, the FAP is responsible for conducting various missions, including air policing, search and rescue operations, maritime surveillance, and transport of personnel and equipment. It maintains a small but capable fleet consisting of modern fighter jets, transport planes, helicopters, and unmanned aerial systems. The FAP has participated in numerous international military exercises, peacekeeping missions, and NATO operations. Over the years, the Portugal Air Force has undergone several modernization programs to enhance its capabilities and maintain operational readiness.

Key facts

Official Name	Portuguese Air Force
Local Name	Força Aérea Portuguesa
Country	🇵🇹 Portugal
World rank	#82
Active aircrafts	72 (as of 2024)
Aircrafts on order	6
Roundel

Number of active aircrafts by type

Aircraft type	Active
Combat aircrafts	21
Helicopters	18
Training	15
Transport	10
Special missions	8

Aircrafts most used by Portuguese air forces

Aircraft	Active	Type
F-16 Fighting Falcon	25	American multirole fighter, famed in late Cold War conflicts, renowned for performance in precision daytime strikes and defensive counter air operations.
AW101	12	British-Italian medium-lift helicopter, notable for search and rescue, anti-submarine warfare, and troop transport operations globally since the early 2000s.
C-295 Persuader	11	Spanish tactical military transport aircraft, utilized globally in maritime patrol, surveillance, and humanitarian relief missions since the late 20th century.
TB-30 Epsilon	11	French trainer aircraft from the 1980s, widely used by French, Greek, and Portuguese air forces for advanced pilot training.
AW119	5	Italian utility helicopter, known for service with law enforcement and military units globally, designed in the late 20th century.
C-130 Hercules	4	American military transport aircraft, known for significant roles in Vietnam War and Desert Storm, extensively used for various cargo missions.
P-3 Orion	3	American maritime patrol aircraft, actively used in the Cold War, notable for anti-submarine warfare and surveillance operations.
WG-13 Lynx	1	British multi-purpose military helicopter, notable for naval, combat, utility roles, significantly deployed in the Falklands War.
C-390 Millennium	0	Brazilian military transport jet, invaluable for its role in logistical support, known for extensive service in the Brazilian Air Force.

Full inventory in 2024