Photography & Reports

The Portuguese-built Berliet-Tramagal military trucks

2012-01-29T12:06:00.004Z

The February issue of Motor Clássico presents a four-page article covering the Portuguese-built Berliet-Tramagal military trucks, from their development and production in the region of Tramagal till their combat experience in Africa. It focuses both the three models of the family - GBC 8 KT 4 4x4, GBC 8 KT 6x6 and the GBA MT 6x6 - and the Tramagal TT 13/160 6x6 prototype developed in the 1980s.

This is the fourth work from a series of articles to be published by Motor Clássico each two months that will present to Portuguese readers some of the most icconic military vehicles operated in Portugal over the last decades.

Pedro Monteiro

Sion Air Show 2011

2011-12-21T13:04:00.000Z

The most important air show in Switzerland, the Sion Air Show, has presented this year a truthly dreammy program which has comprised, among other more modern aircraft, flights from vintage models like the icconic Lockheed Super Constellation or the former Swiss Air Force fast jets Hawker Hunter, Dassault Mirage III and De Havilland DH-100 Vampire.
During three days the airshow received more than 62.000 visitors, making this event an incredible success. A four-page photographic report has been published in the November issue of the Portuguese aviation magazine Sirius.

Pedro Monteiro

The Portuguese Panhard AML-60 fleet

2011-10-31T23:17:00.000Z

The October issue of Motor Clássico presents the operational life of the light wheeled armoured vehicle Panhard AML-60 in Portuguese service. Received in eraly 1960s, these French-built armoured vehicles were extensively used during the colonial war in Guinea, Angola and Mozambique.

This two-page article features some rare archive photage of the Portuguese fleet in real operations in Angola as well as in military exercises and ceremonies in Portugal.

This is the third work from a series of articles to be published by Motor Clássico each two months that will present to Portuguese readers some of the most icconic military vehicles operated in Portugal over the last decades.

Pedro Monteiro

Tankograd Missions & Manouevres 7022 - Vehicles of the Modern Portuguese Army

2011-09-02T09:58:00.004Z

Recently, I have published the 64-page Tankograd Missions & Manouevres 7022 - Vehicles of the Modern Portuguese Army which brings for the first time to English-speaking readers and military vehicles enthusiasts worldwide a complete review and a photo report of the current vehicle pool of the Portuguese Army. In addition, it also presents a detailed description of its current order of battle and international commitments.

Where can I find it? Published this June, this 145-photo monograph is now available through Tankograd Publishing and selected stores such as the Portuguese modelling store BigCat and Amazon.

How is it? This book has already been reviewed by several publications and webpages. Among them are, for example, the widely-known magazine Military Machines (see review ), the Armorama modelling site (read the review), the Armor Modeling and Preservation Society (read the review) or the Spanish magazine Fuerzas Militares del Mundo (read their review.

Pedro Monteiro

The Portuguese Patton fleet

2011-09-01T08:23:00.000Z

The August issue of Motor Clássico presents the operational life of the M47 Patton main battle tank in Portuguese service. Received by 1952, the Patton was at the time the most modern tank in service with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Portugal was its first European operator.

This two-page article features some rare archive photage of the Portuguese fleet during military exercises including the tanks of Practical School of Cavalry, at the time located in Santarém, with their impressive unusual three-tone camouflage scheme.

This is the second work from a series of articles to be published by Motor Clássico each two months that will present to Portuguese readers some of the most icconic military vehicles operated in Portugal over the last decades.

Pedro Monteiro

The Portuguese-built UMM Cournil and Alter light military vehicles

2011-06-21T19:50:00.005Z

The June issue of Motor Clássico presents the unknown story behind the development, production and operation of the Portuguese-built UMM Cournil and Alter light 4x4 military vehicles.

Operated by the Portuguese army since the late 1970s, the UMM would become widely recognized by the 1990s international deployments with the UN-led peacekeeping missions in Angola and Mozambique as well as the NATO-led mission of Bosnia.

This is also the first article from a series of articles to be published by Motor Clássico each two months that will present to Portuguese readers some of the most icconic military vehicles operated in Portugal over the last decades such as the Portuguese-built Berliet Tramagal truck family, the Panhard AML light armoured vehicle or the M47 Patton main battle tank, just to mention a few.

Pedro Monteiro

The new Viana do Castelo class

2011-04-23T15:35:00.007Z

The April edition of Fuerzas Militares del Mundo publishes a 4-page detailed report regarding the new Viana do Castelo class a Portuguese project for a new Offshore Patrol Vessel.
The first ship of the class has been delivered to the Navy the late December in a ceremonny helded in the shipyards of Viana do Castelo in the North of the country.

Following months of trials and training, the ship will make its public debut and be open to visits during the Navy Day ceremony which will take place in the city of Setubal.

Before such event, Fuerzas Militares del Mundo presents an overview of the program and the capabilities of this modern ship.

MAGAZINE DISTRIBUTED IN: Spain, Portugal, Mexico, Guatemala, Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Chile, Peru and USA.

Pedro Monteiro

D. Francisco de Almeida frigate: 3,000 tons of strength and grace

2011-03-27T12:38:00.004Z

The February edition of the Portuguese magazine Revista de Marinha presents a report focusing the newly-received D. Francisco de Almeida frigate from the Bartolomeu Dias class. This two-ship class comprises two former 3,000-ton Dutch Karel Doorman frigates. It has replaced the João Belo class, whose the last two ships are now serving with the Uruguayan Navy.

The reports is based on a visit made on May during the Navy Day in the city of Portimão and is followed by a short report focusing the delivery of the first ship of the Viana do Castelo class, a Portuguese project for an oceanic Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV).

Pedro Monteiro

Portuguese C-295M: Over the land and the sea

2011-01-09T00:04:00.006Z

The January edition of Fuerzas Militares del Mundo brings a report focusing the operation of the modern Airbus Military C-295M tactical transport aircraft fleet by the Portuguese Air Force. Flying with Portuguese markings since 2008, the C-295M has already reached a total of 4,000 flying hours.

The report comprises detailed information regarding the tactical transport and maritime surveillance versions and the missions of the 502 Squadron which operates currently keeps two detachment in the Madeira and Azores archipelagos and the bulk of the fleet in Montijo air base.

MAGAZINE DISTRIBUTED IN: Spain, Portugal, Mexico, Guatemala, Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Chile, Peru and USA.

Pedro Monteiro

Photographic award

2011-01-09T00:00:00.003Z

The Jornal do Exército, the official publication of the Portuguese Army, has selected the photo tittled The Heat of the Battle as one of the winners of its yearly photographic contest.
The photo shows one of the soldiers from the Centro de Tropas de Operações Especiais (CTOE, Center of Special Operations Troops) hidden by smoke during the military exercise Pristina 091 in the region of Mirandela.

Pedro Monteiro

The new submarine Tridente

2010-11-06T18:15:00.013Z

The November edition of the Portuguese magazine Revista de Marinha published a news focusing of the September 8th reception ceremony of the new Tridente submarine of the Portuguese Navy. Along with technical information on the new submarine class, this work analyzes the speeches made at the occasion by both the Minister of Defense, Augusto Santos Silva, and the Navy Chief of Staff, Alm. Melo Gomes. In addition, the cover of the November edition presents a photo of the Portuguese-built hydrographic ship Auriga. The ship has been photographed during the Navy Day naval review, which has taken place at Portimão in May 2010.

Pedro Monteiro

Historic main battle tanks in Santa Margarida

2010-11-01T19:55:00.016Z

The Portuguese magazine Motor Clássico has published on its November issue a report focusing the unique collection of main battle tanks of Santa Margarida fire range. This collection comprises all the tank models operated by the Portuguese Army since the 1940s.

Besides this, the article brings additional information concerning to the preservation of historical military vehicles in Portugal and two other collections of the Portuguese Army open to visit at Abrantes and Elvas.

Pedro Monteiro

Viriatos: Magazine of the 14th Infantry Regiment of Viseu

2010-10-23T16:32:00.003Z

The most recent number of the Viriatos, the magazine of the 14th Infantry Regiment of Viseu, presents on its front cover one of the photos from the Jannuary field report which I have made with this combat unit equipped with the newly received Pandur II armoured vehicle.

For more information and photos concerning to this unit of the Portuguese Army, check the report published by April in Defesa Net.

Pedro Monteiro

Inside the Tridente submarine

2010-10-02T02:25:00.006Z

The October issue of Fuerzas Militares del Mundo brings a report onboard of the Tridente, the newly-received U-209PN submarine of Portuguese Navy.
This report includes interviews to some members of the 33-men crew as well as exclusive inside photos showing, for example, the torpedo room, kitchen or crew accomodations. Besides this, it provides details on the equipments and weapon systems of the new class of submarines which has replaced the former French-built Daphné submarines.

MAGAZINE DISTRIBUTED IN: Spain, Portugal, Mexico, Guatemala, Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Chile, Peru and USA.

Pedro Monteiro

Tridente: The new Portuguese submarine

2010-09-11T17:40:00.006Z

On the September 8th, the new Tridente submarine from the Portuguese Navy was publicly presented during a ceremony which took place in the naval base of Alfeite, near Lisbon. The modern conventional submarine from the U-209PN model shares, in the reality, many common characteristics with the more recent U-214 project. The two new submarines ordered by Portugal in 2004 replace the French-built Albacora class, based on the Daphné model. The deliver of the second submarine, named Arpão, is scheduled for 2011.

A detailed report focusing the ceremony and this new class of submarines will be soon published by the Spanish magazine Fuerzas Militares del Mundo. Meanwhile, the Portuguese magazine Revista de Marinha has published a short report here.

Pedro Monteiro

Apolo 010 at Santarém

2010-08-04T00:26:00.002Z

Around 1,200 troops from the Brigada de Reacção Rápida (BRR, the Army light brigade), Spanish paratroops and elements from the command staff from the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC) have been involved in the yearly exercise Apolo. Along with the troops in the ground, several aircraft have participated in the exercise, namely the C-295M and C-130H transport aircrafts and Alouette III and EH-101 Merlin transport helicopters.

The exercise has occurred between June 14th and 21th in the region of Santarém.

Portuguese troops from the Comandos, an elite light infantry unit. Part of the Brigada de Reacção Rápida, the light rapid reaction force of the Portuguese Army, they have been recently deployed in Afghanistan.

Spanish paratroops during the military ceremmony which occurred in the city of Santarém.

Pedro Monteiro

Photographic report on Navy Day 2010

2010-08-04T00:17:00.002Z

Following the May report at Portimão, when the commemorations of the Navy Day took place this year, the Portuguese magazine Revista de Marinha published a short report, presenting part of the photos of the report and text by António da Cruz Cordeiro.

Pedro Monteiro

Navy Day of 2010

2010-05-25T20:16:00.018Z

The 2010 celebrations of the Navy Day brought to the south of the country, more precisely to the city of Portmão, ships from the main classes serving in the Portuguese Navy. Among them were for, example, the newly received frigate D. Francisco de Almeida, one of the two former Dutch Karel Doorman frigates acquired by Portugal, the Vasco da Gama frigate or the Bérrio, the fleet support tanker received in the 1990s after serving in the Royal Navy as Blue Rover.

The Minister of Defence, Augusto Santos Silva, has attended May 23th military ceremony and, during his speech, Mr. Santos Silva underlined the importance of a modern and operational fleet for defending the strategic interests of the country. The modernization plan will cost 2 billion Euros, comprising, for example, the two new frigates of the Bartolomeu Dias class, the Portuguese-built Viana do Castelo offshore patrol vessels, the two Tridente submarines or a Landing Platform Dock ship which - essential for supporting amphibious operations and the deployment of military forces in foreign scenarios. According to Mr. Santos Silva, the delivery of the first Tridente submarine and the first Viana do Castelo vessel is expected for this year.

Another highlight of the event was an impressive demonstration by the ships and navy units visiting Portimão which included an amphibious landing demonstration by the marines. Some of the three deployed Super Lynx Mk 95 helicopters were armed with the recently-received 12,7mm FN Herstal M3M machine guns.

A photographic report was made for the Portuguese magazine Revista de Marinha, which can be partially seen here.

Pedro Monteiro

Regimento Infantaria Nº 14: Operating the new Pandur II armoured vehicle

2010-04-12T22:41:00.006Z

Located in the center of Portugal, in the city of Viseu, the 14th Infantry Regiment (Regimento Infantaria Nº 14) is an icconic military unit of the Portuguese Army. Nowadays, the Viriatos, as their soldiers are known, compose one of the two infantry battalions of the Brigada de Intervenção (Intervention Brigade, the medium brigade of the Portuguese Army).

This regiment is modernizing its forces and structures, namely by receiving the new family of Pandur II of wheeled armoured of vehicles. During a report with them, last February, it was possible to watch some of the field training with this new vehicles, which are being assembled in Portugal in the region of Barreiro.

A full report of the exercise has been published, this week, by the Brazilian defence website Defesa Net:

http://www.defesanet.com.br/nato/pt_viriato.htm

Pedro Monteiro

Bravia Chaimite: The history of the first Portuguese-built armoured vehicle

2010-04-11T00:39:00.004Z

A new article about the Chaimite armoured vehicle has been published, this time by Tankograd Militärfahrzeug, a leading publication in the area of military vehicles.

The article, fully published both in English and German, offers a comphreensive narrative of the history of the development, production and operation of this Portuguese-built vehicle which has been in operation for over almost forty years with Portuguese and foreign military and security forces. It also presents new developments and inedit photographs which complete the previous articles published by Motor Clássico. The magazine can be purchased online here.

How is it? The webpage Armorama reviews it as having "extensive technical and historical information on this seldom seen, but highly successful, Portuguese wheeled armoured vehicles" with "photographs which show the vehicle during development stage, manufacture, on training manoeuvres as well as out in the field in Kosovo in 1996. The more modern photographs are of a very high quality, while some of the older ones are a little rougher, but still useful never the less" (read the full review here).

Pedro Monteiro

Brigada de Intervenção: A new combat brigade for the new century

2010-04-11T00:26:00.021Z

The April issue of Fuerzas Militares del Mundo brings a comphreensive article about the Brigada de Intervenção (Intervention Brigade, the medium brigade of the Portuguese Army) focusing its structure, missions and equipments and challenges that this combat brigade, created in 2006, is facing. Special attention is given to the Pandur II armoured vehicle programme which, in the mid term, will constitute the backbone of the brigade.

MAGAZINE DISTRIBUTED IN: Spain, Portugal, Mexico, Guatemala, Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Chile, Peru and USA.

Pedro Monteiro

Cassiopeia: Surveilling the seas at fast speed

2010-03-08T16:59:00.005Z

The February-March issue of the Revista de Marinha publishes a report of a mission onboard the NRP Cassiopeia, a fast patrol craft from the Portuguese Navy. The work covers not only the daily routine of the crew but also some extraordinary missions of the Cassiopeia, such as the scort of the Russian cruiser Moskva. Comprehensive data on this class of ships and their missions is also presented.

This ship is part of the Argos class which entered in service in 1991. Its primary mission is fishing surveillance aimed at combating illegal fishing in the Portuguese coast.

The report also signals my first collaboration with this leading-magazine in Portugal.

Pedro Monteiro

Real Thaw 2010

2010-02-02T18:09:00.002Z

Following the 2009 edition, the Portuguese Air Force (PoAF) has organized once more the Real Thaw military exercise. This is an international exercise focused on Close Air Support (CAS) and modern air combate operations in a scenario which closely resembles Afghanistan. In the 2010 edition a total of 1,000 military and 50 aicraft from Portugal, Belgium, Dennamark, Spain, Lituania and United States (along with a NATO E-3A AWACS aircraft) have been involved in the day and night missions.

The Brazilian website Defesa Net has published a report convering the exercise. You can check the full article in the following adress:

http://www.defesanet.com.br/10_02/100202_05_realthaw2010.htm

Pedro Monteiro

Oregon Air Show 2009

2009-09-03T06:43:00.009Z

Between 29th and 30th of August the airport of Hillsboro, some miles from Portland, received the Oregon Air Show 2009 which is considered the most important airshow in the west coast of United States.

The 2009 edition included the exhibition of several warbirds such as a CL-13 Mk.6 Sabre and a soviet-built MiG-17F, the USAF acrobatic team Thunderbirds with F-16 fighters, fly-by over the public of F-15 Eagle fighters from USAF and C-17 cargo aircrafts or the impressive flying display a US Navy F-18C Hornet fighter from the West Coast TACDemo Team. The photos presented here were taken in the Saturday show.

Four F-16 fighters from the USAF acrobatic team Thunderbirds fly over the public in the end of their performance.

This soviet-built MiG-17F fighter with the markings of the Polish Air Force was one of the highlights of the airshow. The Korea War veteran is still in service in some countries inclunding in Sudan, China and North Korea.

Truthly a vision from the past: a CL-13 Mk.6 Sabre fighter rolling on the runway of the Hillsboro airport after a flying display with a Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17F and a Fouga CM-170 Magister.

A WWII North American B-25 Mitchell bomber named Pacific Prowler was present in static display during the airshow.

A 1950s single-seat attack bomber Legacy A1 Skyraider, piloted by Alan Anders, lands at the airport after a flight along with a US Navy F-18C Hornet fighter.

Pedro Monteiro

Elefantes: Operating the new C-295M tactical transport aircraft

2009-07-18T09:12:00.007Z

In a visit to the Montijo air base I have visited the 502 Sqn. Elefantes, the unit of the Portuguese Air Force which is receiving the new C-295M fleet. Officially moved to the air base of Montijo, with the city of Lisbon in the background, in the begin of 2009, the Elefantes had previously operated in Sintra with the C-212 Aviocar. The unit has a long history including the operation of iconic aircraft such as the Junkers Ju-52 and the Nord Noratlas transport aircrafts.

The new Airbus Military C-295M is a medium-range transport aircraft with a payload of 9t and a capacity for up to 71 passengers. Among its users are Spain, Brazil, Colombia, Algeria, Finland, Poland, and others.

The C-295M fleet boosts the operational capabilities of the 502 Sqn. both for tactical transport, medical evacuation, logistic support, operations with paratroops, search and rescue missions and maritime surveillance. From the 12 aircrafts acquired by Portugal, 7 will be of the transport version and 5 will operated primarily in the maritime surveillance configuration equipped with the CASA FITS (Fully Integrated Tactical System). However, the characteristics of the C-295M allow that these last aircrafts can be quickly transformed for transport missions. The deliver of the first maritime surveillance aircraft is expected for the end of this year. By the end of 2010, it is expected that all the 12 ordered C-295M are already in the air base of Montijo. Meanwhile, the priority is the preparation of the crews for the operation with the new aircraft.

I would like to acknowledge to the military personal from the 502 Sqn. which received me in the unit and their explanations about the new C-295M.

Pedro Monteiro

Spotting in the air base of Monte Real

2009-07-18T09:10:00.009Z

Some photographs of the morning missions during a spotting session in mid-July in the air base of Monte Real. This is the home base for the F-16 fleet from the Portuguese Air Force. This year, the air base of Monte Real celebrates its 50th anniversary. Commemorations include an air show, in 22th of July, which will bring to Portugal the A-7H Coirsair from the Greek Air Force - the last operator worldwide of this historical aircraft that once operated with the Portuguese colors.

Currently, two squadrons operate the F-16 fighter in Monte Real: the 201 Sqn. "Falcões" with the F-16 OCU fleet and the 301 Sqn. "Jaguares" with the modernized F-16 MLU. The OCU cells, received by 1994, are now starting a modernization programme which will bring the entire fleet up to the MLU variant.

A F-16BM fighter from 301 Sqn. arrives from a mission in the Portuguese skies. Notice that the pilot is using the new JHMCS (Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System) and the aircraft is equipped with a Litening AT (Advanced Targeting) targeting pod. The operation of the Litening AT started in 2009 and it has been already used in the international military exercise Real Thaw.

The older but still trustable F-16B from the 201 Sqn. which has an important operational background with a dettachment in the Balkan war in the 1990s and the participation in the well-known Red Flag exercise from the US Air Force.

A Portuguese F-16 fighter from 201 Sqn. in a fly-by above the air base of Monte Real minutes before landing.

Pedro Monteiro

Coimbra Air Show 2009

2009-07-13T09:27:00.004Z

As it has been hapenning every year (you can also check the reports for the 2007 and 2008 editions), the Bissaya Barreto airfield in the city of Coimbra has received a new edition of the Coimbra Air Show.
The airshow took place between 11th and 12th of July including the performances of the Smoke Wings civilian acrobatic team which flies two soviet-build Yakovlev Yak-52 and the military acrobatic team Asas de Portugal from the Portuguese Air Force equipped with two Alpha-Jet A. Civilian aircrafts as well as a rare operational Dornier Do-27 of the Air Force museum also participated in the airshow.

The impressive demonstration of the Asas de Portugal, here flying their two Alpha-Jet A in a close formation and at high speed.

One of the two soviet-build Yakovlev Yak-52 from the Smoke Wings civilian acrobatic team. The portuguese pilots pushed their aicrafts to the limits and impressed the public.

Close view of the impressive the soviet-build Yakovlev Yak-52. Originally, this aircraft was developed as a trainer. A classic aircraft in an air show whith a recent tradition.

Pedro Monteiro

Monte Real: Home of the Portuguese F-16 fleet

2009-06-19T09:44:00.001Z

The May and June issues of the Spanish magazine War Heat have published the first and second part of an article which I wrote together with Juan Carlos Pando (you can also visit his webpage) about the Portuguese F-16 fleet.

The article covers the history of the air base of Monte Real, where the two F-16 squadrons of the Portuguese Air Force are located, as well as the operational life of the Fighting Falcon with Portuguese colors. The MLU programme as well as new equipments, weapon systems and international exercises are also mentioned in this article.

Pedro Monteiro

Gazela, Leopardo and Pantera: The history of the familiy of Portuguese military trucks (2)

2009-05-18T20:54:00.005Z

The June issue of the Portuguese magazine Motor Clássico brings the second part of the work covering the history of the Portuguese family of military trucks. This family of vehicles, developed by the same company which produced the Chaimite armoured vehicle, included the Gazela, Leopardo and Pantera trucks.

This second part covers the operation of the Gazela and Leopardo in the Portuguese Army, the adaptation of some vehicles for fireman corporations or the heavy Pantera truck. Besides, this article includes an one-page summary with new findings about the history of the Chaimite Portuguese-built armoured vehicle. Those include, for example, the interest of Brazil on the vehicle and tests in this country, the operational deployment in Africa with Portuguese forces and the operation by Lebanon with updated information of the recent modernization of the local fleet.

Pedro Monteiro

EHM: The Portuguese Naval Aviation

2009-05-06T19:10:00.007Z

The May issue of the Spanish magazine Fuerzas Militares del Mundo published a new article focusing the Esquadrilha de Helicópteros da Marinha (EHM, Navy Helicopter Squadron).

This new work brings updated information about the EHM, namely the future of the fleet, new detachments for the new Bartolomeu Dias frigates or the recent deployment with the Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 (SNMG1) which is conducting an anti-piracy naval operation off the coast of Somalia. Moreover, it covers technical aspects such as the new equipments and weapons systems for the Super Lynx fleet.

MAGAZINE DISTRIBUTED IN: Spain, Portugal, Mexico, Guatemala, Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Chile, Peru and USA.

Pedro Monteiro

Report: Portuguese Navy receives its first Karel Dorman frigate

2009-05-01T22:45:00.011Z

The Brazilian defence website Defesa Net has published a report about the arrival to Lisbon of the first of the two frigates from the Karel Dorman class acquired by Portugal to The Netherlands in 2006 in a EUR260 million deal. The ship named Bartolomeu Dias has similar capabilities to the Vasco da Gama class (Meko 200PN) currently in service and it will replace the frigates from the former João Belo class, which was sold to Uuruguay (check here the previous article). The second ship, renamed Francisco de Almeida (F334), will be transferred on November of 2009.
The Karel Doorman class is composed by eight 2,800t multi-purpose frigates, originally operated by the Royal Netherlands Navy. Today the eight ships built during the 1990s are operated by The Netherlands, Belgium, Chile and Portugal.

Bartolomeu Dias multi-purpose frigate (F333) has arrived to the Portuguese capital this Thursday, April 30th, after months of sea trials and crew trainning (Photo: Portuguese Navy).

You can check the full report in Portuguese on the following link:
http://www.defesanet.com.br/nato/pt_fragatas.htm

Pedro Monteiro

Gazela, Leopardo and Pantera: The history of the familiy of Portuguese military trucks (1)

2009-04-27T14:54:00.009Z

On its May issue, the Portuguese magazine Motor Clássico publishes the first part of a work covering the history of the Portuguese family of military trucks. This family of vehicles, developed by the same company which produced the Chaimite armoured vehicle, included the Gazela, Leopardo and Pantera trucks.

The work is partially based on some interviews and documents from the Chaimite research project.
The first part of the article covers the origin of this family of vehicles, the development of their projects as well as the beginning of production of the Gazela and Leopardo trucks which were later deployed by the Portuguese military on operations in Africa. The May issue also covers the projects of the Comando Mk I light vehicle and Tigre Mk II and Comando Mk III armoured vehicles with new material, informations and photos.

Pedro Monteiro

Onboard the N.R.P. "Côrte-Real" frigate

2009-04-27T14:39:00.014Z

Some photographies from a report made onboard the Portuguese Navy frigate N.R.P. "Côrte-Real" ("Vasco da Gama" class, Meko 200PN). This is one of the three ships received by Portugal by the 1990s.
The ship was then participating on the naval exercise Instrex 082 with the Super Lynx helicopters from the Esquadrilha de Helicópteros da Marinha (EHM, Navy Helicopter Squadron). Currently it is participating on the NATO’s anti-piracy mission in Somalia.

My acknowledges for the collaboration given by all the crew during the report made onboard. Good winds for them!

Pedro Monteiro

Pristina 091: New Pandur II armoured vehicles participate in military exercise

2009-02-24T23:10:00.011Z

The Agrupamento Mike, which was covered on a previous report (check the article here), is presently completing its mission in Kosovo in the role of the KFOR Tactical Reserve Manoueuvre Batalion. A new battalion of the Brigada de Intervenção (Intervention Brigade, the medium brigade of the Portuguese Army) will replace it by March.

A small number of troops from the special operations are part of the 290 men Portuguese battalion [click to enlarge].

The north region of Mirandela was the scenario chosen for the military exercise Pristina 091. During a week, the 290 men of the battalion have trained several situations which they might find once in Kosovo, such as crowd riot control. One of the news of this edition of the Pristina exercises was the participation of a small group of Pandur II armoured vehicles which are being received by the Portuguese Army. So far, there are 11 vehicles in service with the infantry regiment of Vila Real, all of them in the Infantry Carrier Vehicle variant.

A total of 81 vehicles have participated in the Pristina 091, including five Pandur II armoured vehicles [click to enlarge].

The Infantry Carrier Vehicle (ICV) variant of the Pandur II armoured vehicle. This combat variant is armed with a 12,7mm caliber machine gun. Other versions, such as the Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) armed with a Steyr SP 30 turret with a 30mm canon, are part of the Portuguese purchase [click to enlarge].

A full report of the exercise was published, this week, by the Brazilian defence website Defesa Net:
http://www.defesanet.com.br/nato/pt_pristina09.htm#

Pedro Monteiro

New Link: Tally Ho!

2009-02-24T22:30:00.004Z

Following an increasing number of Portuguese blogs focusing military aviation and aviation photography, Sérgio Trindade, a regular presence in air shows and oppen days, has created a new one for sharing his photos and videos. A regular visit is highly recommended.

http://baseaerea.blogspot.com

Pedro Monteiro

UPF: Force Protection

2009-02-13T17:29:00.005Z

The Brazilian website Defesa Net has published an article introducing the recent created Unidade de Protecção de Força (UPF) of the Portuguese Air Force. This is an elite infantry force which assures the protection of the Portuguese aircraft and personnel deployed on foreign missions.

You can check the full article on the following adress:
http://www.defesanet.com.br/nato/pt_upf.htm

Pedro Monteiro

Real Thaw 09

2009-02-11T01:35:00.010Z

The Brazilian website Defesa Net has published an article covering the military exercise Real Thaw, organized by the Portuguese Air Force, with the participation of units from Dennamark and Spain. The article also focus the new Litening AT targeting pod which has just entered in service with the MLU fleet.

You can check the full article on the following adress:
http://www.defesanet.com.br/nato/pt_real_thaw.htm

Pedro Monteiro

New link: Cannon Two

2009-02-11T01:22:00.001Z

Jorge Ruivo is a gifted photographer and a truelly passioned enthusiast of military aviation. With 30 years of memories and photos to share, he has recently created a personal blog. The firts report could not be better: the impressive description and photographic report of his first flight on a F-16B fighter. Bravo Zulu, Jorge! A blog to visit regulary.

http://cannontwo.blogspot.com/

Pedro Monteiro

The prototype of a portuguese armoured vehicle

2009-01-25T20:30:00.005Z

Do you know this vehicle? Do you know that it is the prototype of a light armoured vehicle developed in Portugal and successfully tested by the Guarda Nacional Republicana (GNR, Portuguese gendarmerie)? What was the destiny of the only two prototypes?

Find out the answers to those and other questions and many unpublished photos with the research article next month in a Portuguese magazine Topos & Clássicos...

Pedro Monteiro

Chaimite: Second article published

2008-12-23T02:16:00.015Z

Following a first part published in the December issue, the Portuguese magazine Motor Clássico has published on its Jannuary issue, the second part of a work covering the history of the portuguese-built Chaimite armoured vehicle.

Among the topics covered are the operational deployment of the Chaimite fleet in the Colonial War during the 1970s and the peacekeeping operations of the 1990s, details from foreign users , the Portuguese Marines fleet inclunding the history of the Armada 90 vehicle as well as other unknown aspects and curiosities such as the current status of the Portuguese and foreign vehicles or the destiny of the vehicles and prototypes.
These two articles are the result of several months of field research which has included interviews, research on archives, military units and press as part of the Chaimite Research Project. Main references and sources are indicated in the second part.

Pedro Monteiro

Chaimite: First article published

2008-11-24T23:19:00.019Z

The Portuguese magazine Motor Clássico has published on its December issue, the first part of the history of the portuguese-built Chaimite armoured vehicle which has been in operation with both Portuguese and foreign military and security forces since the 1970s.

This first article comprises topics such as the context which surround the development of the project, the first years of production, other projects developed by the Bravia-VM (e.g., the Leopardo truck and the Comando Mk III security vehicle) as well as a technical description of the Chaimite. Other topics will have further development in the second part of this work.
The article is the result of several months of field research which has included interviews, research on archives, military units and press as part of the Chaimite Research Project.

Pedro Monteiro

Pandur II ICV: Walkaround

2008-11-22T16:22:00.014Z

A walkaround of the basic variant of the Pandur II armoured vehicle, the ICV (Infantry Carrier Vehicle). This combat variant is armed with a 12,7mm caliber machine gun. Other versions, such as the Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) armed with a Steyr SP 30 turret with a 30mm canon, are part of the Portuguese purchase.

Com a encomenda do Exército português estão a ser construídas um total de 260 viaturas blindadas do tipo Pandur II 8x8. A Steyr-Daimler-Puch Spezialfahrzeug GmbH (Steyr-SSF), que desde 2003 pertence ao grupo norte-americano General Dynamics, conseguiu mais um grande projecto na sua história. Não foi apenas o melhor preço o que convenceu os militares portugueses: as características do veículo, tais como a tecnologia avançada, a alta mobilidade, a protecção da equipa no interior, assim como a sua flexibilidade, foram determinantes. Em resposta às várias tarefas que o Exército prevê para os seus Pandures foram desenvolvidas várias versões personalizadas, em primeiro lugar para o transporte de tropas e missões de reconhecimento e de apoio. [Steyr's Press Release, 29.05.2008]

The 240 vehicle fleet will be operated by the Brigada de Intervenção, the medium brigade of the Portuguese Army.

Front view of the Pandur II ICV. Two vehicles were presented to the public at Coimbra in June 2008 during the commemorations of the anniversary of the Brigada de Intervenção. [click to enlarge].

Rear view of the Pandur II ICV. Two vehicles were presented to the public at Coimbra in June 2008 during the commemorations of the anniversary of the Brigada de Intervenção. Notice the Browning H2B machine gun. [click to enlarge].

Top view of the vehicle. The engine compartment is placed at the right side of the driver [click to enlarge].

Troop compartment of the Pandur II ICV which can carry up to eight troops [click to enlarge].

Another detail of the Portuguese-built vehicle [click to enlarge].

Pedro Monteiro

Portuguese Army boosts its fire power with new weapon systems

2008-11-06T23:40:00.007Z

The reception of the first batch of Leopard 2A6 main battle tanks purchased in 2007 has boost the fire power, mobility and operationally of the heavy brigade of the Portuguese Army, the Brigada Mecanizada (Mechanized Brigade). The Brazilian defence website Defesa Net has published an article which compares the new Leopard 2A6 with the old M60 A3 TTS:
http://www.defesanet.com.br/nato/pt_leo2a6.htm

On the other hand, Steyr has been testing a prototype of a Mobile Gun System (MGS) version of the Pandur II which could be purchased by Lisbon for the Brigada de Intervenção, the Army medium brigade:
http://www.defesanet.com.br/nato/pt_pandur.htm

Pedro Monteiro

Felino 08

2008-10-03T15:54:00.003Z

Every year, the members of the CPLP (Portuguese-speaking countries comunity) realize a joint military exercise know as Felino. This year edition tooked place at the military zone of S. Jacinto, near the city of Aveiro, and at the air base of Ovar.

Pedro Monteiro

EHM: Sailing across the skies

2008-08-18T01:14:00.007Z

The August issue of the Portuguese magazine "Vega" (you can check their website here) brings a report about the Esquadrilha de Helicópteros da Marinha (EHM, Navy Helicopter Squadron) as part of my collaboration with such publication.

Such work includes images from the Instrex 08 military exercise as well as several details about the future of the squad. Besides, the articles from the magazine include a full English version.

Pedro Monteiro

Pristina 082: Portugal prepares a new peacekeeping mission in Kosovo

2008-08-18T00:48:00.014Z

In 2007, the Pristina 072 (see report here) was the final exercise of the portuguese force before being deployed in Kosovo.
One year later, the Agrupamento Mike from the Brigada de Intervenção (Intervention Brigade, the medium brigade of the Portuguese Army) was involved on the Pristina 082 which took place in Cabeceiras de Bastos, during the last week of July. The exercise tested the performance of the Portuguese troops on a peacekeeping mission, since they will be part of the KFOR Tactical Reserve Manoueuvre Batalion. The unit of 290 men will replace the Portuguese force deployed in Kosovo in September.

A full report in Portuguese was published, last week, by the Brazilian defence website Defesa Net:
http://www.defesanet.com.br/nato/pt_pristina08.htm

Pedro Monteiro

Cassiopeia: Protecting the law on the waters

2008-08-18T00:39:00.006Z

The NRP Cassiopeia is a fast patrol craft from the Argos class which entered in service in 1991. Its primary mission is fishing surveillance aimed at combating illegal fishing in the Portuguese coast.

Last July, I have embarked on this vessel as part of a report.

Pedro Monteiro

Portuguese Army in analysis

2008-07-11T20:01:00.000Z

The last edition of the Portuguese magazine Segurança & Defesa (check the website) brings an analysis of the changes that have been occurring in the Portuguese Army. The main focus is the new organic structure of the military branch.

Such work presents and updates some of the data of my previous work for Fuerzas Militares del Mundo - published in November and December of 2007.

Pedro Monteiro

Coimbra Airshow 2008

2008-07-10T23:33:00.010Z

Here are some photographs that I have taken during the weekend on another edition of the Coimbra Airshow (report of the 2007 edition)

Despite the reduced presence of the Portuguese Air Force due to participation of its acrobatic teams in the Air Force Day (Azores) and Royal International Air Tatoo (United Kingdom), the airshow had the presence of several civilian aircraft, such as the Smoke Wings acrobatic Team or the aircrafts from the Aerofénix.

A classical and impressive Boeing-Stearman N62TS from the Aerofénix museum [click to enlarge].

The take-off of another aircraft from museum: in this case, one Havilland CT-120 Chipmunk [click to enlarge].

One of the few military aicraft present was this Dornier Do-27 of the Air Force museum [click to enlarge].

Pedro Monteiro

Air spotting in Monte Real

2008-07-10T23:15:00.002Z

Last week I have made a spotting session in the air base of Monte Real, where the Portuguese F-16 fleet is based. In the photos is possible to identify both F-16 OCU from the 201 Sqn. "Falcões" and F-16 MLU from the 301 Sqn. "Jaguares".

This spotting session follows a report, made in last March, about the F-16 fleet along with my Juan Carlos Pando (you can check his website here)

One of the most modern fighters from the fleet is this F-16BM in the M5 configuration. The aircraft belongs to the 301 Sqn. "Jaguares" which operates all the MLU fleet [click to enlarge].

The end of an afternoon mission for a F-16BM from the 301 Sqn. "Jaguares" [click to enlarge].

A low pass of a F-16A OCU from the 201 Sqn. "Falcões" with a low-viz scheme [click to enlarge].

Pedro Monteiro

CTOE: Portuguese Special Operations

2008-06-03T21:22:00.002Z

The second part of an article about the Centro de Tropas de Operações Especiais (CTOE, Center of Special Operations Troops) has been published in the June issue of Fuerzas Militares del Mundo (www.fuerzasmilitares.com).

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Pedro Monteiro

Merlin flight

2008-06-02T11:18:00.003Z

The 2006 edition of the Portuguese Armed Forces annual military exercise, Lusíada 06, was the perfect opportunity for testing the new abilities that the AgustaWestland EH-101 Merlin fleet brought to the Força Aérea Portuguesa (FAP, Portuguese Air Force).

From 6 to 15 November, the FAP detached to Ovar reserve base a force comprising F-16 fighter, C-212 and C-130 transport and P-3 patrol aircraft, as well as Alouette III and EH101 helicopters. The helicopters were used in transport and support missions, a role that used to be played by the SA-330 Puma. The Merlin fleet, whose operation began on February 2006, belongs to 751 Sqn. that will keep detachments in Madeira and, from this year on, also in Azores.

Thanks to the Air Force it was possible an excellent air-to-air photography session. This report was made for Fuerzas Militares del Mundo.

A Portuguese EH101 Merlin flying towards São Jacinto.

A Portuguese EH101 Merlin landing in São Jacinto, the second location where Lusíada took place.

Pedro Monteiro

Dragão 08: Portuguese and Spanish troops train crisis response

2008-05-20T23:12:00.020Z

The Dragão 08 is the main military exercise of the Brigada de Intervenção (Intervention Brigade, the medium brigade of the Portuguese Army). The last edition has included the participation of Spanish troops from the BRILAT as part of the Sagitário 08 - which took place along with the Dragão 08.

In short, the Dragão 08 has comprised to phases: the first one, in April, was basicly a command post exercise (CPX, check the article in Defesa Net); the second one, was a field training exercise (FTX). The FTX has involved 1.135 men and 160 tactical vehicles, inclunding 27 armoured vehicles (12 V-150 with a 90mm gun; 13 Chaimite V-200 personnel carriers; 2 Chaimite V-600 armed with a 81mm mortar). The field manoeuvres took place in the mountainous region of Vila Pouca de Aguiar, north of Portugal.

The Dragão 08 has allowed to the Brigada de Intervenção the trainning of a crisis response response, as well as joint operations with foreing troops.

In the last ten years, the brigade mobilized more than 4.000 men and 11 units in several peacekeeping missions. This was the case of the missions in Bósnia, Kosovo and East Timor. Currently, it has an unit of military engineers deployed in Liban and is preparing a combat unit for a mission in Kosovo.

A V-150 armoured vehicle, armed with a 90mm gun, during field manoeuvres. The Brigada de Intervenção also operates the Chaimite armoured vehicle in both troop carrier (V-200) and mortar carrier (V-600) variants [click to enlarge].

An image of the stressful and demanding command post exercise which simulated the defence against a conventional threat [click to enlarge].

A Spanish soldier from the BRILAT. Around 100 Spanish troops (infantry) have been involved with the second phase of the Dragão 08 [click to enlarge].

Reports published in the Brazilian website Defesa Net:
http://www.defesanet.com.br/nato/pt_dragao.htm
http://www.defesanet.com.br/nato/pt_dragao_1.htm

Pedro Monteiro

Helicopters over Beja

2008-05-20T22:36:00.011Z

Anually, the 552 Squadron "Zangões" organizes a meeting which brings to Beja, south of Portugal, different generations of helicopter pilots. This year, the meeting has happened in May 17th.
As usually, pilots and members from other Portuguese helicopter units were invited to the event. This is the case of the 751 Sqn. (EH-101 Merlin) and the EHM (Super Lynx, Navy). In addition, aviation enthusiasts and plane spotters were invited to be present.

The 552 Sqn. operates the Alouette III fleet. In service with the Portuguese Air Force since 1963, the Alouette III has already reached the impressive mark of 300.000 flying hours. Besides, tis amazing machine is used by the acrobatic team “Rotores de Portugal” (Blades of Portugal).

One Alouette III seconds before the end of another flight. The 552 Sqn. is one of the most active squadrons in the Air Force. For several reasons. First, because all the military pilots destined to the helicopters – including those from the Army and the Navy – make their training with the "Zangões". Secondly, because the squadron is involved in several missions, such as joint exercises with the Army [click to enlarge].

These three helicopters belong to the acrobatic team “Rotores de Portugal” (Blades of Portugal). They have returned to the airshows in 2005 and now has three Alouette III with their own paint scheme [click to enlarge].

One SA-330 Puma was present in the exposition. The Puma was replaced by the new EH-101 Merlin in Search and Rescue (SAR) missions [click to enlarge].

Pedro Monteiro

CTOE: Portuguese Special Operations

2008-05-20T17:51:00.000Z

The first part of an article about the Centro de Tropas de Operações Especiais (CTOE, Center of Special Operations Troops) had been published in the May issue of Fuerzas Militares del Mundo (www.fuerzasmilitares.com).

This article is the result of a previous visit to the unit, located in Lamego, north of Portgal. The CTOE, created in 1960, is now part of the Brigada de Reacção Rápida (Quick Reaction Brigade).

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Pedro Monteiro

Rotores de Portugal

2008-05-18T00:26:00.004Z

The 552 Squadron "Zangões" flies the Portuguese Alouette III fleet, an helicopter which is in service since 1963. Though it is a veteran, this machine has now a new role as part of the acrobatic team Rotores de Portugal (Blades of Portugal). They have already an official website online with fresh news and excellent photos.

This image shows their leaflet for the year of 2008 which is ilustred with photos by Ricardo Nunes, André Carvalho and by myself and designed by Miguel Amaral, one of the members of the Templar Squadron Ilustred Profiles.

Pedro Monteiro

Chaimite Project: The exotic Armada 90

2008-04-30T21:03:00.007Z

During the 1970s, the Portuguese Marines received a batch of four Chaimite V-200 armoured vehicles - which were produced by Bravia-VM in Samora Correia. One of these vehicles was known as Armada 90 because it was armed with a special system with eight rocket tubes of 88,9mm. Actually, such system was developed by portuguese military and engineers. Besides that, the turret could be armed with one Browning 12,7mm and one MG42 7,62mm machine guns. Currently, this vehicle is conserved in Alfeite.

I would like to express my gratitude to the Marines who have received me during my visit as part of the research project about the Chaimite and the Bravia-VM which I am doing.

Pedro Monteiro

El Tirador Solitario

2008-04-09T18:22:00.006Z

For those who are searching for news about defence one of the best sources is the spanish blog El Tirador Solitario (check the blog here). The blog, updated by Pedro Lucio several times a week, always brings great photos and brief news with further sources and links for reference.

A M60 A3 TTS tank from the Portuguese Army photographed during the last Army Day in Leiria.

I would like to thanks the kind reference that Pedro Lucio has made to me in a great post with photographs from our troops depliyed in Afghanistan.

Pedro Monteiro

Link: El Tirador Solitario: MILITARES PORTUGUESES EN AFGANISTÁN

Blade runners over the sea

2008-03-26T19:00:00.002Z

The Esquadrilha de Helicópteros da Marinha (EHM, Navy Helicopter Squadron), created in 1993, operates the Super Lynx fleet of the Portuguese Navy. These helicopters are used with the Vasco da Gama class frigates (Meko 200PN type). Although it is a young unit, the EHM has already in her curriculum vitae real operations, like the Non-combatant Evacuation Operation (NEO) in Guinea-Bissau in 1998.

I have flew with them in last February as part of a report for the portuguese magazine "Vega" (you can check their website here).

Pedro Monteiro

The portuguese F-16 fleet

2008-03-26T18:14:00.010Z

Monte Real is the home of the portuguese F-16 fleet. The F-16 OCU fleet, received in 1994, is operated by the 201 Squadron "Falcões". The other unit is the 301 Squadron "Jaguares", which operates the modern F-16 MLU fleet.
Both units are often present in national and international military exercises. More recently, they took part in the NATO Air Defense Mission "Baltics Air Policing 07 (November-December 2007) 3000 kilometers away from Monte Real. There, they have assured the vigilance, control and reaction to a potential hostile act to the sovereignty of the three Baltic states (Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania), inclunding with aicrafts in Quick Reaction Alert (QRA).

A helmet of a special very special "pilot" of the Portuguese Air Force. In fact, this helmet was offered to the President of the Republic during his visit to Monte Real [click to enlarge].

A F-16B OCU from the 201 Sqn. ready for another mission with the RNLAF fighters [click to enlarge].

The impressive take-off of a RNLAF F-16MLU fighter with full after-burner. During our visit, the RNLAF squadrons 322 and 323 were at Monte Real training with the portuguese Vipers [click to enlarge].

I have visited the two squadrons with Juan Carlos Pando (you can check his website here) last February as part of an article for the magazine Fuerzas Militares del Mundo.

Pedro Monteiro

EH-101 Merlin

2008-03-26T17:36:00.003Z

A new photo which I have taken during my visit to the 751 Sqn., last November (please, check the previous report).

Pedro Monteiro

Chaimite Project: A visit to Escola Prática de Cavalaria

2008-03-26T17:01:00.012Z

On the first week of February, I have visited the Escola Prática de Cavalaria (EPC, Practical School of Cavalry) as part of the research which I am doing about the Chaimite and the Bravia-VM (please, check my last post). More recently, as part of the new organization of the Portuguese Army, the EPC has been moved from Santarém to Abrantes, where it was located a former infantry regiment.

Besides, this was a good opportunity to photograph some of the armoured vehicles which have served in the portuguese Cavalry (and that are preserved in Abrantes), as well as the present armoured fleet. In fact, the EPC has already in service the new Pandur II 8x8 armoured vehicle.

One of the new Pandur II 8x8 received by the EPC in the right side of the photo. In the left side, we can see a Chaimite V-600 4x4 armoured vehicle [click to enlarge].

The french-built Panhard AML was a light armoured vehicle used in the Colonial War (1961-1974) in missions such as scort and reconnaissance. Some of the vehicles were upgraded in the 1980s with a new engine and systems and, finally, redraw from service in 2001-2002 [click to enlarge].

An impressive M48 A5 Patton main battle tank in the main gate of the EPC. It was used by the 1ª Brigada Mista Independente, now known as Brigada Mecanizada (mechanized infantary). They were replaced by the M60 A3 TTS [click to enlarge].

Though Portugal does not use horse cavalry any longer, the Portuguese Army still has the tradition of learning how to ride a horse [click to enlarge].

Pedro Monteiro

Rodas de Viriato

2008-02-20T23:02:00.009Z

The portuguese blog Rodas de Viriato has been publishing several material about the vehicles - civilian projects and military too - produced and designed by portuguese companies.

A Chaimite V-200 in the military exercise Pristina 072, in July 2007. Notice the one-man turret designed by Bravia.

That is, actually, the case of the Chaimite V-200, an armoured vehicle which was produced by Bravia-VM in Samora Correia. I would like to invite all the visitors to contribute for a research project about the Chaimite and the Bravia-VM which I am doing.

Pedro Monteiro

Comandos

2008-02-19T23:40:00.006Z

The Comandos are an elite force, specialized in assault operations, with an old tradition in the Portuguese Army. They were created during the Colonial War, in the 1960s.
Currently, there are two operational companies and a third one is expected to be created when the unit is moved to their new base. The Comandos are part of the Brigada de Reacção Rápida (BRR, the Army light brigade).

For those who are interest in know more about the unit, the former comando Mário Relvas has an interesting blog about them.

Pedro Monteiro

Honorary mention

2008-02-10T14:10:00.000Z

The Jornal do Exército, the official publication of the Portuguese Army, usually organizes a photo contest every year. One of my photos has received a honorary mention, the only award that the jury decided to give in this edition.

The photo shows a M60 A3 TTS main battle tank from the Brigada Mecanizada covered by a dust cloud seconds after firing its 105mm gun. Such photo was taken during the 2007 edition of the military exercise Rosa Brava. It was titled Treinar a guerra em paz or Trainning war at peace.

Pedro Monteiro

Portugal receives the first Pandur II armoured vehicles

2008-02-10T13:50:00.000Z

On January 31st, the Minister of Defence attended the official ceremony which marked the delivery of the first nine Pandur II armoured vehicles to the Portuguese Army. They are part of an impressive total of 240 vehicles which the Army will receive until 2010. According to some military sources, these new vehicles could be detached in peacekeaping operations after the second semester of 2008. Some images, from the portuguese news agency LUSA, were published by the spanish blog El Tirador Solitario, a good source for international defence news.

In the image, a Bravia Chaimite V-200, the portuguese-built armoured vehicle which, presently, is used by the Army in foreign missions. The vehicle, shown in the photo along with a french-built Panhard VBL, was used in the military exercise Pristina 072 in the region of Vouzela. In the Military Zone web site, you can check some technical information about the Chaimite (portuguese text only).

Pedro Monteiro

New main battle tanks for the Portuguese Army

2008-02-10T12:51:00.000Z

Recently, an agreement was signed between the portuguese and dutch authorities for the supply of 35 Leopard 2A6 Main Battle Tanks along with 2 vehicles in the Driver Training Tank. The first 8 combat vehicles will be received in the end of 2008, and the other 29 in the following year.

In the Portuguese Army, they will be used by the Brigada Mecanizada, which currently operates the M60 A3 TTS tank, as already reported here.

Pedro Monteiro

A brief pause

2008-01-06T22:48:00.000Z

During the next few weeks, I will not have the opportunity of post here - in any case, some articles are already scheduled.
Until then, here you have a picture of one of the Pandur II wheeled armoure vehicle which the Portuguese Army will receive in the beginning of this year. It is an Infantry Carrier Vehicle (ICV) version that it is armed with a 12,7mm caliber machine gun. The photograph was published as part of the article about the Portuguese Army, in the magazine Fuerzas Militares del Mundo (December, 2007).

Pedro Monteiro

Czech Republic cancels Pandur II contract?

2007-12-13T22:57:00.000Z

The blog of the Spanish group Circulo Trubia - dedicated to the study of armoured vehicles - has made a brief analyses of the czech cancellation of the contract signed in 2006 with Steyr for 199 Pandur II armoured vehicles. According to this source, such radical decision it is seen more as a strategie to force the austrian company to accept a reduction of the number of vehicles.

[Photo from Steyr-Daimler-Puch.]

Meanwhile, the Portuguese Army is going to evaluate, next week, at Santa Margarida training camp, the first prototype of the Mobile Gun System (MGS) version. The prototype is equipped with a belgian CMI CT-CV turret, armed with a 105mm caliber gun. Such trials are included in the original contract, since Portugal has an option for 33 vehicles configured as MGS.

Pedro Monteiro

New article about the Portuguese Army (II)

2007-12-08T22:46:00.001Z

As previous noted, the December issue of the spanish defence magazine Fuerzas Militares del Mundo (www.fuerzasmilitares.com) publishes the second part of an article about the Portuguese Army.
In resume, the article comprises both an analysis of the present equipment and a review of the main programmes for new weapon systems (such as the Pandur II armoured vehicle or the Leopard 2A6 main battle tank).

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Pedro Monteiro

Portuguese SAR helicopter fleet

2007-12-08T22:43:00.000Z

The Montijo air base is one of the most important air bases of the Portuguese Air Force. In fact, it is there where is based the C-130 fleet, the EH-101 fleet, as well as the P-3C fleet. An interesting fact: from its huge area we can see, on the oposite side of the Tagus river, the portuguese capital - Lisbon.

Recently, I had the opportuniy of visiting the unit which operates the EH-101 Merlin fleet - 751 Sqn. "Pumas -, whose main mission is conducting search and rescue (SAR) operations along the portuguese coastline and maritime area.

Portugal has received twelve EH-101 Merlin helicopters. The photo shows one of them prepared for a new mission. [click to enlarge].

Pedro Monteiro

Military ceremony at Leiria

2007-12-08T22:30:00.001Z

As part of the official comemoration of the Army Day, the military branch organizes, which year, a military ceremony at October 21st. This year, Leiria was the place chosen by the military for a ceremony which mobilized more than 1.000 troops. Such event also counted with the presence of the Minister of Defense, Professor Nuno Severiano Teixeira. In hs speech, the Minister underlined the modernization of the military branch in what he considers to be the "first great programme since the April 25th, 1974".

I made a report of the event for the Spanish magazine Fuerzas Militares del Mundo as part of an article about the Portuguese Army which I am writing.

The military ceremony included speechs by the Chief of Staff of the Portuguese Army as well by the Minister of Defence. After it, during a brief encounter with the press, the Chief of Staff of the Portuguese Army declared that his goal for personnel is to reach a total of 24.500 military, inclunding 14.500 foot soldiers [click to enlarge].

A M109 A5 self-propelled howitzer. Its 155mm caliber canon, as well the improvements in communications and data transfers have put the portuguese artillery up to the level of allied forces [click to enlarge].

Pedro Monteiro

New article about the Portuguese Army

2007-11-15T10:00:00.001Z

The November issue of the spanish defence magazine Fuerzas Militares del Mundo (www.fuerzasmilitares.com) publishes the first part of an article about the Portuguese Army.

On the one hand, the first part covers the structure and missions of the military branch. On the other other hand, the December issue will cover the equipment and weapon systems operated by the Army.
This work is, in fact, the final result of several reports which I have been doing for the past few months - some of them are presented here.

MAGAZINE DISTRIBUTED IN: Spain, Portugal, Mexico, Guatemala, Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Chile, Peru and USA.

Pedro Monteiro

Special operations in the Portuguese Army

2007-10-11T22:05:00.000Z

Lamego, a city in the North region of Portugal, it is the home of the special operations of the Portuguese Army. Their formation and operational activity occurs in the Centro de Tropas de Operações Especiais (Center of Special Operations Troops), a military unit which was created in 1960. Since 2006, this unit is part of the new Brigada de Reacção Rápida (Quick Reaction Brigade).

Troops from the Centro de Tropas de Operações Especiais during a train in Penude, last October 4th [click to enlarge].

I visited Lamego last friday, October 4th, in order to collect data and photographs for an article for the Spanish magazine Fuerzas Militares del Mundo.

Pedro Monteiro

New article about the portuguese Pandur II programme

2007-10-11T21:13:00.000Z

The brazilian web site Defesa Net, dedicated to defence news, published a brief article about the portuguese Pandur II programme. This article does, on the one hand, a review of the production of the Steyr's armoured vehicle in Barreiro and, on the other hand, a brief description of the characteristics portuguese vehicles. In fact, several photographs and data of it were obtained during the ceremony of last September 25th, when the first vehicle produced in Portugal was presented (see the report published on this page).

A vertical photograph showing a frontal view of a portuguese Pandur II, in this case, the first one assembled in Barreiro [click to enlarge].

The full article, avaible only in portuguese, can be consulted here:

http://www.defesanet.com.br/afv1/pt_pandur.htm

Pedro Monteiro

Military ceremony at the city of Tomar

2007-09-30T15:16:00.000Z

This year, the commemoration of the Day of the Brigada de Reacção Rápida (Quick Reaction Brigade) had one innovation: the ceremony did not take place in the military base of Tancos, as usual, but in the downtown of Tomar, one of the cities where is located a combat unit of this Portuguese Army’s light brigade.
Hence, the population – after all, the source for new volunteers - had a rare opportunity of contact with the men and equipments of this brigade and to know more about their missions and operational deployment – for example, the Brigada de Reacção Rápida has, currently, a company deployed in the demanding scenario of Afghanistan.

The ceremony included, on the one hand, a military parade with about 1.000 men – including troops equipped for combat – and, on the other hand, a demonstration of capabilities in the local stadium. It was, indeed, a good oportunity for the Brigada de Reacção Rápida promote a closer contact with the local population, and, for what I saw, the population seemed very interested in this activity.

I made a report of the event for the Spanish magazine Fuerzas Militares del Mundo as part of an article about the Portuguese Army which I am writing.

A portuguese paratrooper. They are easily recognizable for their green barret. In the begining of the 1990s, they were part of the Air Force. They were the first combat force which was sent by Portugal for a peacekeeping operation - which ocurred in 1996, in Bosnia [click to enlarge].

A comando in the military ceremony. This is a military unit for assault and antiterrorist operations which is now part of the new Brigada de Reacção Rápida. Along with the paratroops, they are the military force which is responsible for the mission in Afghanistan - the comandos rotate with the paratroops every six months.

A member of the portuguese special operations. The unit of special operations of the Army is part of the Brigada de Reacção Rápida, together with the paratroops and the comandos, an assault infantry unit.

Two french-built Panhard VBL armoured vehicles. They are assigned to the Regimento de Cavalaria nº 3 (3rd Cavalry Regiment), the unit responsible for the reconnaissance squadron of the Brigada de Reacção Rápida. Notice the anti-tank missile Milan and the AN/PPS-5B radar.

A different kind of photo - in fact, a portrait of a portuguese comando. The companionship between these men is one of the key elements of the unit, which is known by its singular identity and traditions [click to enlarge].

Pedro Monteiro

Delivery of the first Pandur II produced by Fabrequipa

2007-09-26T15:59:00.000Z

Fabrequipa - Steyr’s local industrial partner for the production of 219 of the 260 Pandur II ordered by Portugal - presented the first vehicle produced in Portugal. The ceremony took place in the assembly line, located in Barreiro, yesterday, September 25th.

During the ceremony, Francisco Pita, from Fabrequipa, annouced that soon the company will have "a complete portfolio of products, comprising armoured vehicles and non armoured vehicles, from 4x4 to 8x8, until the maximum weight of 25 tons".
The Portuguese Army will receive, until the end of 2007, a total of 24 armoured vehicles. The first batch is being delivered this week. Besides, Fabrequipa will start, in 2008, the production of 20 vehicles in the amphibian version for the Portuguese Navy.

Furthermore, the portuguese company is studying the market of light 4x4 armoured vehicle. In fact, three foreign companies have already contact it with proposals for the local production of their vehicles. As noted by Francisco Pita, Fabrequipa will participate with such proposal in a contest for the acquisition of 100 vehicles for the Army's light brigade, the Brigada de Reacção Rápida.
Portugal has also taken an option for 33 vehicles configured as Mobile Gun Systems (MGS) and armed with a 105mm gun. A prototype with two different turrets is being tested in Austria and soon will make some trials in Portugal. “These tests will allow the evaluation of both turret’s efficiency and vehicle’s behaviour with the turret”, Vítor Franco said in August. If Lisbon orders such vehicles, their production will begin in 2010, when the current production ceases.

A look at the ICV7, the first Pandur II produced in Portugal. The portuguese media had a strong presence in the ceremony which marked the introduction of a new armoured vehicle, 40 years after the delivery of the veteran Chaimite [click to enlarge].

The assembly line of Fabrequipa is located in Barreiro, near Lisbon. Up to eight vehicles can be produced monthly [click to enlarge].

One of the seven Pandur II delivered this week to the Army, in fact, the first one produced in Portugal, "gave a ride" do the portuguese journalists [click to enlarge].

Pedro Monteiro

P-3C Orion in the Portuguese Air Force

2007-09-06T21:18:00.000Z

This photo shows one of the five P-3C Orion aicrafts received, from The Netherlands, in the year 2006. It was taken during the 10th of June military parade at the same year. This was, indeed, the first public appearance of a P-3C after their delivery.

If you read spanish, the magazine Fuerzas Militares del Mundo (check its web site) published, in May of 2006, an article wrote by me about the operation of the P-3P Orion fleet and the reception of the new P-3C from The Netherlands.

Actually, since then the maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare missions have been taken by the two remaining P-3P. The five P-3C will begin their operative carrier in the Portuguese Air Force soon, probably in Beja's air base.

RNLN - PoAF - Version
300 - 14807 - CUP Coastal Guard
304 - 14808 - P-3C-II.5
306 - 14809 - P-3C-II.5
307 - 14810 - CUP Coastal Guard
310 - 14811 - P-3C-II.5

Source: Ministério da Defesa Nacional (2006)

I suggest the reading of the book The Age of Orion: The Lockheed P-3 Story, wrote by David Reade. Although it is not quite recent (it was published in 1998), it gives us a complete descripition of the development of the project and also about the operation of the Orion around the globe.

Pedro Monteiro

Dassault-Dornier Alpha-Jet

2007-08-31T10:24:00.000Z

The French Air Force was present in the 2005 edition of the Portugal Air Show, the main portuguese air show. The french participation consisted in two demonstrations with the Dassault-Dornier Alpha-Jet: one by the well known Patrouille de France and the other one by Capitaine Laurent "Tom" Thomeret from L'Ecole de L'Avation de Chasse, Touraine. Thomeret's Alpha-Jet made a great flying display and was also present in the statical exhibition.

Currently, the Alpha-Jet is operated by Belgium, Cameroon, Cote d'Ivoire, Egypt, France, Morocco, Nigeria, Portugal, Qatar and Thailand. Portugal has begun the operation of this aircraft in 1993. The 50 aircrafts, received from Luftwaffe, were operated by 301 Squadron Jaguares (close air support) and 103 Squadron Caracóis (instruction), both based in Beja. After the transition of the Jaguares to the F-16 MLU (they now operate from Monte Real), the Caracóis assumed the close air support as a secondary mission and recieved the remaining operational fleet - with 15-20 aircrafts. They're also responsable for the acrobatic air team Asas de Portugal.

This series of photos is part of a report which I made for the magazine Fuerzas Militares del Mundo.

Capitaine Thomeret's Alpha-Jet after its demonstration.

A general view of the Alpha-Jet just a few minutes after is arrival at Évora. A second aircraft was in reserve. The force was supported by a C-160 Transal, based at Beja.

The french Alpha-Jet after its flying display - you can see, in the background, the city of Évora.

A close look at the markings of the aircraft.

Pedro Monteiro

Fabrequipa

2007-08-29T21:48:00.000Z

On the last 21st of August, I have visited the assembly line of the Fabrequipa, located in Barreiro, where a part of the 260 Pandur II armoured vehicles ordered by Lisbon is being produced.

I was kindly received by Eng. Vítor Franco who, namely, described me the process of producting these modern armoured vehicles and the contacts that have been made during the last few months to assure a significant participation of the portuguese industry in the project.

I also had the chance to see and photograph the first seven vehicles produced in Viena and Barreiro and that will be delivered to the portuguese Army in September - in 2008, the Navy will receive 20 vehicles for the marines. At the same time, a few more - in several stages of their production- were being mounted in the Barreiro. In fact, according to Steyr, 24 vehicles will be provided to the portuguese forces until the end of the year.

A portuguese Pandur II in tests in Viena. Noticed the armour plates attached to the hull (photo from Steyr/Buss).

Soon I will post photos of the visit and a few more notes.

Pedro Monteiro

Obs: I would like to express my acknowledges to Mrs. Silke Buss, in representation of Steyr, who was responsable for the organization of this visit.

Portugal Air Show 2007

2007-08-29T21:39:00.000Z

Finally, with less than a month away, some informations were given about the military aircrafts that will appear in this year's edition of the Portugal Air Show - the most important airshow of Portugal.
Thus, the skies of the city of Évora will be flown over by the acrobatic teams Asas de Portugal, Rotores de Portugal and the spanish ASPA; the Navy will present a demo with a Super Lynx and an unit of marines; the Air Force will also make an appearance with EH-101 Merlin and Alouette III helicopters and the F-16 fighter in a tactical exhibition.

In this site you can check more informations about the airshow (text in portuguese).

Pedro Monteiro

Pristina 072

2007-08-29T21:10:00.000Z

In the context of the preparation of a new mission in Kosovo, the portuguese Army conducted the exercise Pristina 072. While it was taking place, I have made a report for the spanish magazine Fuerzas Militares del Mundo - as part of a series of reports that I have been making in order to gather photos and informations for an article about the Portuguese Army.

Irá decorrer no período de 18 a 27 de Julho de 2007 na Região de Vouzela, o Exercício “PRISTINA – 072”, que corresponde ao final do aprontamento do 2º Batalhão de Infantaria da Brigada de Intervenção (BrigInt), que a partir de Setembro de 2007 irá cumprir missão no Teatro de Operações (TO) do Kosovo.

Com a realização deste exercício pretende-se validar os níveis de treino de aperfeiçoamento operacional alcançados pelo Batalhão e a capacidade operacional da Força. De uma forma geral, o exercício permitirá praticar o planeamento, o controlo e a conduta de operações tácticas, associadas às Peace Support Operations (PSO), no quadro das missões e tarefas passíveis de serem desempenhadas pelo Batalhão no TO, tendo como referencial o ambiente operacional que se vive no Kosovo e as possíveis evoluções.

In the last ten years, the Brigada de Intervenção (the medium brigade of the military branch) mobilized more than 4.000 men and 11 units in several peacekeeping missions, such as in Bósnia, Kosovo and East Timor. Currently, it is preparing an unit of military engineers for the portuguese mission in Liban.

Since March its 2nd. Infantary Battalion (from Viseu) has been training for the mission in Kosovo, where will replace the forces of the Brigada Mecanizada.

As part of this preparation, the Army organized an exercise in the region of Vouzela between 18 and 26 July. As indicated in the briefing, the Pristina 072 mobilized 400 men (298 from the unit intended to Kosovo), 70 tactical vehicles and 9 armoured vehicles. It was also one of the last exercises that involve the veteran Chaimite fleet before the reception - in September - of the first Pandur II armoured vehicles.

A Panhard VBL M-11 light armoured vehicle.

A Chaimite V-200 armoured personnel carrier (APC) has given protection and fire support to the portuguese troops during the exercise. In Kosovo, the portuguese militaries will find nine of these vehicles - the last ones to be dettached in a foreign country.

Pedro Monteiro

Portuguese frigates to Uruguay (2)

2007-08-29T19:57:00.000Z

In June, I have published a brief news about the possible sale of portuguese frigates to the authorities of Montevideo (look here). Recently, the same contact has informed me that the local press has noticed that, during the visit of the President of the Republic of Urugay in Portugal, in September, the acquisition will be announced.

The authorities in Montevideo have not annouced this fact yet, but that is normal even in the case of weapon systems bought second handed from other countries. In fact, the information about any acquisition is only given after the conclusion of the negociations and the signature of a formal agreement.

According to portuguese sources, the two frigates from João Belo class (similar to the french Commandant Rivière) could be transfered to Urugay by the end of this year - and will not have the AN/SQS-510 sonar.

Pedro Monteiro

Scale of the USS Eisenhower at Lisbon

2007-08-29T19:45:00.000Z

Between 12th and 16th May, the nuclear aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) has made a technical scale in Lisbon, after a six months' mission in the Persion Gulf. Although the presence of an american aicraft carrier in a portuguese port is rare, in last November the USS Enterprise has made a technical scale at Lisbon. With the invitation of the American Embassy, I have made a visit to this ship in representation of Fuerzas Militares del Mundo.

A look at the flight deck of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) shows several models of aircrafts which operate from the warship, such as the case of the E-2C Hawkeye, the A/F-18 E/F Super Hornet and the EA-6B.

A Super Hornet of the VFA-103 Jolly Rogers.

A long line of Ike's F-18 Hornet fleet. The fighter force of the aircraft carrier has more combat aircrafts than many air forces around the world.

Always impressive is the E-2C, an Airborne Early Warning (AEW) aircraft. Notice its radar antenna on the top of the aircraft.

Pedro Monteiro

Article about the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower

2007-08-29T19:31:00.003Z

As the result of the visit, organized by the United States Embassy, to the nuclear aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), I have published an article which on the Portuguese Air Force official magazine, the Mais Alto.

Pedro Monteiro

Coimbra Air Show 2007

2007-07-16T10:35:00.002Z

Here are some photographs that I have taken during the weekend on the airshow. The airshow had some flaws, like the impossibility of using the oposite side of the runway during the afternoon - because of that, everyone, including the press, had to take the photgraphs against the sunlight with every disadvantage this situation implies. In any case, it is good to see an airshow in the city where I live since I usually have to make long trips in order to see one.

A soviet-build Yakovlev Yak-52 - which is a primary trainer - made a great exhibition on the saturday afternoon. The portuguese pilot pushed the aicraft to its limits and impressed the public.

The two Alpha-Jet from the Asas de Portugal. The two pilots were also present in the aerodrome for an autograph session.

A C-212 Aviocar made flights with children during the sunday. In the next year the Portuguese Air Force will receive the first C-295Ms which will substitute this aircraft.

A classical and impressive Boeing-Stearman N62TS from the Aerofénix museum.

A Allouette III with the paint scheme of the Rotores de Portugal. But, contrary to what was announced, they did not make an exhibition during the airshow.

Pedro Monteiro

Coimbra Airshow 2007

2007-07-12T18:07:00.000Z

According to the Air Force, the programme of the Coimbra Air Show will include a significant presence of the military branch:

A Força Aérea Portuguesa irá marcar presença nem Coimbra, durante o fim-de-semana de 14 e 15JUL07, no âmbito das celebrações do do 31ª Aniversário do do Aero Clube de Coimbra. A presença da Força Aérea inicia-se no Sábado dia 14JUL07, pelas 09H30, no Aerodromo Municipal Bissaya Barreto, com a aterragem de um DO-27 do Museu do Ar, a fim de participar na exposição estática de aeronaves. Aquando da abertura do evento, pelas 10H00 de 14JUL07, os
visitantes poderão contactar com uma exposição do Museu do Ar, sob a temática "1917 - 2007, 90 anos a formar pilotos militares em Portugal". Nesta exposição, para além de vários artigos do valioso espólio do Museu do Ar, encontra-se também exposto um avião biplano "TIGER MOUTH", dos anos 20 do século passado. O Centro de Recrutamento da Força Aérea estará presente no aeródromo, para explicar a todos os interessados as várias qualificações de
elevado nível técnico e saídas profissionais, oferecidas pela Força Aérea. Da parte da tarde, a internacionalmente famosa patrulha ASAS DE PORTUGAL, irá executar um treino acrobático sobre os céus de Coimbra.
Pelas 22H00, na Praça da Canção, a Banda da Força Aérea irá actuar (entrada livre) com um reportório digno da reputação que a caracteriza, tanto em Portugal como no estrangeiro. No Domingo dia 15JUL07, pelas 09H00, no Aeródromo Bissaya Barreto, serão recebidas inscrições para baptismos de voo de crianças, em aeronave C212 AVIOCAR (de Sintra). Já da parte da tarde, o visitante do certame poderá assistir entre outros eventos, a uma demonstração de salvamento por guincho com um helicóptero ALOUETTE III (de Beja), e uma espectacular exibição acrobática dos ASAS DE PORTUGAL. Entretanto, os pilotos dos ASAS DE PORTUGAL vão estar disponíveis para sessões de autógrafos nos Sábado 14JUL e Domingo 15JUL de manhã, no Aeródromo Bissaya Barreto, bem como no Sábado 14JUL à noite na Praça da Canção.

Pedro Monteiro

Airshow at Coimbra

2007-07-06T18:06:00.000Z

Next week, an airshow will take place at Coimbra. Both the Asas de Portugal and the Rotores de Portugal, the two acrobatic teams of the portuguese Air Force, will be present in this event.

Pedro Monteiro

Spotter's day at Beja

2007-07-01T08:37:00.000Z

Last friday, on 29th June, the Portuguese Air Force organized, for the first time, a spotter's day. This gave to the portuguese community of plane spotters the rare opportunity of take some photographs inside of a military base - in this case, Beja's air base, located in the south of the country. Actually, it was the first time that this occured, since the spotter's day organized in 2002 was part of the Nato Tiger Meet military exercise - which also took place in Beja.

The Portuguese Air Force must be congratulated for the excellent reception gaven to the spotters: during all the day, we were moved from one area to the another in order to assure the best conditions for photograph the aircraft (angles, sun light, etc.); we were able to visit the front line of every squadron and assist to the preparation of some missions with Alpha-Jet and Epsilon aircrafts; finally, along with the Alouette III helicopters and Alpha-Jet and Epsilon aircrafts assigned to the 552, 101 and 103 Sqd. based in Beja, the air base recieved the rare visit of a C-130 transport aircraft, a P-3P maritime patrol aircraft and two F-16 A/B OCU fighters. In addition, the acrobatic teams Asas de Portugal (Alpha-Jet) e Rotores de Portugal (Alouette III) made their train for the exhibition of saturday.

For instance, this was the begining of a new relationship between the Air Force and the portuguese plane spotters. As an aviaton enthusiast, I must give my acknowledge for the great day that I had at Beja - it was one of the best visits that I ever made to an air base, including those that I made as a reporter.

A F-16B OCU (15118) from 201 Squadron "Falcões", based at Monte Real, arrives to Beja after a flight with the winner of a television contest. A monoplace (F-16 A, 15112, with low-viz marks) also took part of this special mission.

The impressive demonstration of the Asas de Portugal, here flying their two Alpha-Jet A in a close formation and at high speed.

A Alpha-Jet A aircraft arrives from a train mission. The Alpha-Jet fleet is now assigned to 103 Squadron "Caracóis", whose instructors are also pilots of the acrobatic team Asas de Portugal. The other operator, the 301 Squadron "Jaguares", is currently based in Monte Real where operates the modern F-16 MLU.

A Epsilon from 101 Squadron "Roncos" with a Alpha-Jet in the background. Currently, they are the backbone of the trainning fleet of the Portuguese Air Force.

The arrival of another Alpha-Jet A, painted with the old wrap around scheme.

The portuguese spotters captured every angle possible of this Alpha-Jet from the Asas de Portugal. Although it was the first time that a spotter's day occured in Portugal, the number of photographers and enthusiasts was very significant, inclunding some well-known portuguese spotters such as Luís Rosa, Jorge Ruivo, Álvaro Gonçalves, Luís Gonçalves, Pedro Becken, Floriano Morgado along with others.

Pedro Monteiro

Informations about the João Belo class

2007-06-16T09:51:00.001Z

In the Military Zone I present a brief description of the João Belo class frigates. As I reported, the two remaining vessels will be sell to Uuruguay. The authorities of Montevideo plan to use this two frigates (similar to those they now operate) for about seven years, at a cust of 15 millions of euros.

Constituem juntamente com as fragatas Meko 200 os principais meios de combate da Armada. Inicialmente foram recebidos quatro navios, porém, actualmente apenas se encontram no activo três fragatas. (...) Atendendo aos requisitos da Armada para operar nos combates nas colónias africanas as fragatas foram equipadas para realizar estas missões. (...)
A modernização destes navios apenas ocorreria no final da década de 1990 (quando tinham já uma vida operacional de 30 anos), com a modernização a ocorrer em apenas três dos quatros navios iniciais, visto que a N.R.P. "Roberto Ivens" tinha sido abatida em 1998. A falta de verbas implicou apenas algumas alterações: foram modernizadas as acomodações e instalações para tripulantes, a capacidade para armazenamento de água doce foi aumentada, os sensores e sistemas electrónicos modernizados, e retiraram-se a terceira peça de 100mm (Mod55) e o morteiro anti-submarino. Esta modernização permitiu essencialmente capacitar o navio para o cumprimento de missões de manutenção de paz e prolongar a sua vida operacional.
Actualmente cumprem na Armada as missões de treino e luta ASW, embora mais recentemente tenham participado em missões de paz e em vários exercícios.
Em 2000, no âmbito da missão da UNTAET, parte para Timor-Leste a N.R.P. "Hermenegildo Capelo", tendo como função render a N.R.P. "Vasco da Gama" (Meko 200), prestando auxílio à população timorense durante o processo de transição.
Recentemente, em 2001, a fragata N.R.P. "Sacadura Cabral" integrou a EUROMARFOR uma frota constituída por vasos de guerra de Portugal, França, Espanha e Itália. No âmbito desta missão participou entre outros, nos exercício Trident d'Or e Tapon cujo fim é avaliar as prestações dos navios nas missões de luta ASW.
Espera-se que estes navios continuem a navegar até 2010, altura em que se pensa virem a ser substituídos por unidades novas ou usadas (...)

In the second half of the 1990s, Portugal executed a modernization of the three frigates which were operational (a fourth had been redraw from service). The modernization (fully described on this article) gave allows that these ships accomplish secundary missions on the portuguese Navy, since the modern Vasco da Gama class has become the backbone of the fleet. Actually, the N.R.P. Hermegildo Capelo was deployed in East Timor, in 2000, and, usually, the ships of the class have been assigned to surveillance and instruction missions, but also too international exercises.

[Photo taken with a Nikon F65 cammera and a Nikon AF 28-80mm f/3.3-5.6G lens]

The 1990s' modernization consisted, for example, in the instalation of a new and modern sonar (AN/SQS-510, the same model used by the Vasco da Gama class), Mk32 Mod5 triple torpedo tubes, a new navigation radar and communication and control systems, a new electronic warfare system. The anti-submarine mortar and the third Mod 55 artillery gun were retired in order to reduce the crew. The ships were also prepared to recieve women sailors. This modernization clearly gave to this 1960s ships a new life and increased their capabilities.

[Photo taken with a Nikon F65 cammera and a Nikon AF 28-80mm f/3.3-5.6G lens]

In addition, the João Belo class can recieve a large number of marines to support amphibious operations and other missions. This capability was used, for example, in 1998, in the Guiné-Bissau during the rescue of the portuguese refuges.

During the last decade, the portuguese Navy was studying their replacement. On 2005, it seemed clear that Portugal would recieve two american OH Perry frigates. A brief article which includes some references to the programme is avaible in Defesa Net.

When the socialists returned to the power, in the same year, it become clear that another option could be taken (see another article that I wrote for Defesa Net). In fact, by the year 2000, Portugal had even studied the two Jacob van Heemskerck class frigates. Finally, in 2006, an agreement was signed for the delivery, in 2008 and 2009, of two Karel Doorman frigates. Comparing with the previous option, they are more recent ships, they have several weapon systems and sensors and equipements in common with the Vasco da Gama class (Meko 200PN) and they're multi-role ships. It's true that the portuguese Navy wanted a air-defence ship but a frigate OH Perry with her SM-1 missiles could not accomplish that mission due the new meneaces and anti-ship missiles.

Pedro Monteiro

Portugal Air Show 2007

2007-06-14T21:04:00.001Z

The main reference for the portuguese aviation enthusiasts is the Portugal Air Show, a biannual airshow. This year, it will happen, as usual at Évora, between 14th and 16th September. In this site you can check the first information (text in portuguese).

Pedro Monteiro

Asas de Portugal

2007-06-14T20:15:00.000Z

The Asas de Portugal, one of the two acrobatic teams of the portuguese Air Force, is equipped with the Alpha-Jet. Last weekend, at June 9th, they made a demonstration in Setúbal, as part of the official commemorations of Portugal's national day.

This season, they have several demonstrations in international airshows:

22th June: Midnight Sun Airshow, Finland
22th Jully: Sanicole International Airshow, Belgium
1th September: Bex International Airshow, Swiss

For the portuguese readers, we will be abble to see their impressive demonstration in the following occasions:

30th June: Dia da Força Aérea, Beja
15th and 16th Jully: Festival Aéreo, Coimbra
14th and 15th September: Portugal Air Show, Évora

Pedro Monteiro

Army Day

2007-06-14T19:12:00.000Z

Every year, in October, the portuguese Army commemorates its day. In 2005, the ceremony took place at Coimbra, where the Brigada de Intervenção (the medium brigade, then called Brigada Ligeira de Intervenção) has its command. As usual, there was an exhibition of equipements and, in adition, a military parade happened on Av. Emídio Navarro, near the Mondego, Coimbra's iconical river.

Below, I present some photographs of the vehicles which were present at the exhibition.

The three types of wheeled armoured vehicles operated by the portuguese Army are shown in the photo. Begining in its left side, a Panhard VBL M-11, a Cadillac Gage V-150 with a Cockerill turret with a 90mm gun and, finally, a Bravia Chaimite V-200.

Another look of the armoured vehicles in the exposition at Coimbra.

Portugal operates HMMWV vehicles. The first vehicles - M1025 A2 version - were bought in 2000 for the peacekeaping mission in East Timor. In 2003, more vehicles - M1097 version - were recieved in order to transport and support the Firefinder system of the portuguese artillery. Currently, some vehicles of the first batch - with an armour kit M-PAV 2 from the israeli Plasan - are operating in Afghanistan.

A M60 A3 TTS main battle tank from the Brigada Mecanizada (portuguese Army's heavy brigade, called Brigada Mecanizada Independente at that time). Portugal recieved about one hundred of these in the 1990s - they replaced the M48 A5 and the remaining M47. The military parade, as in the majority of the last commemorations, did not envolved armoured vehicles.

Pedro Monteiro

Portuguese frigates to Uruguay

2007-06-11T21:02:00.000Z

According a contact of mine in Montevideo, the portuguese frigates from João Belo class (similar to the french Commandant Rivière, modernized in 1999 with, for example, a new sonar and comunication systems) will be transfered to Urugay. The authorities in Montevideo haven't annouced this fact yet since first the acquisition needs a parliamentary approval.

In the case of the portuguese navy, the two ships will be replace by two Karel Doorman, bought to The Netherlands in last December.

[Photo taken during the Navy Day of 2003, in Ílhavo, with a Nikon F65 and 28-80mm zoom lens and a Fuji Superia ISO 100 film]

Pedro Monteiro

Portugal's National Day

2007-06-10T19:47:00.000Z

In this year, the official celebrations of the June 10th - Portugal's national day - took place in the city of Setúbal.
Since the last year the programme includes a military ceremony and, in this year, a exhibition of several weapon systems and equipements of the portuguese Armed Forces. In the ceremony - transmited by the public broadcasting television - were present more than 1.200 troops and 100 vehicles (for example, M60 tanks and M113 armoured personnel carriers or the wheeled vehicles Chaimite). During it, EH-101 Merlin helicopters, as well as F-16 and Alpha-Jet fighters flew over the troops. In the port of the city, the President of the Republic inspected the naval fleet, which included the frigate NRP Vasco da Gama and the tall ship NRP Sagres.

Although I didn't had the opportunity of make a report, I hope this photographs (from the Presidency of the Republic - www.presidencia.pt) are interesting for the readers.

The President of the Republic, Cavaco Silva, makes his speech to the troops (Photo: Presidency of the Republic - www.presidencia.pt).

The President of the Republic, Cavaco Silva, during the military parade (Photo: Presidency of the Republic - www.presidencia.pt).

The frigate NRP Vasco da Gama in Setúbal (Photo: Presidency of the Republic - www.presidencia.pt).

M109 A5 howitzers pass in front of the tribune (Photo: Presidency of the Republic - www.presidencia.pt).

This year, the military parade included troops with their combat equipment; it was the case of the Comandos, an assault troops unit, also known as the "red berets" (Photo: Presidency of the Republic - www.presidencia.pt).

For the portuguese readers, I post the speech of the President of the Republic to the armed forces that, this year, focused the peacekeeping missions and the new structure of the armed forces that'll allow a better interoperability between the three branches.

Celebramos hoje, 10 de Junho, o muito que nos distingue como Nação. (...) Ao rever-se, orgulhoso na sua História, Portugal também se revê nas suas Forças Armadas. (...) A associação das Forças Armadas às comemorações do Dia de Portugal sublinha o carácter eminentemente nacional da Instituição Militar, cujo percurso histórico se confunde com o da Nação. (...)
Em apenas 30 anos, as Forças Armadas Portuguesas reduziram o seu efectivo de mais de 300 milhares de homens para pouco mais de 40 mil elementos. Adaptaram a sua doutrina, evoluindo para uma força de projecção e de reacção rápida, incorporaram o serviço militar feminino e abandonaram o serviço militar obrigatório. Nos últimos 15 anos, internacionalizaram-se, projectando cerca de 24 mil militares para o exterior.
As Forças Armadas levaram a cabo uma das reformas mais profundas no âmbito da Administração Central do Estado, mostrando ser uma organização viva, flexível e dinâmica. (...) O reforço da acção conjunta é um objectivo que deve ser alcançado em futuro próximo. (...) Importa definir e concretizar o reforço de competências do Chefe do Estado-Maior General das Forças Armadas, criar um Comando Operacional Conjunto e promover as reformas relativas ao ensino superior militar e aos serviços de saúde. (...) Qualquer processo de transformação implica investimento. A execução das Leis de Programação Militar e de Programação de Infra-estruturas constituem, por isso, peças chave da modernização e operacionalidade do Sistema de Forças Nacional. São investimentos avultados mas necessários, que podem e devem ser rentabilizados, alargando o seu emprego a outras missões de interesse público, para além das de natureza estritamente militar, evitando a duplicação de meios e promovendo o aproveitamento de recursos humanos altamente qualificados. (...)
É assim no Kosovo, em defesa da segurança e da estabilidade na Europa; é assim no Afeganistão, combatendo os flagelos do terrorismo e do narcotráfico; é assim no Líbano, para restabelecer as condições de vida de uma população martirizada pela guerra. É assim em tantos outros locais, onde militares portugueses contribuem para a salvaguarda da paz e da segurança internacional, promovendo os valores da liberdade, da democracia e do respeito pelos direitos humanos. (...)

Pedro Monteiro

A-7P Coirsair II

2007-06-03T12:16:00.000Z

The Vought A-7P Coirsair II was operated by Portugal between 1981 and 1999. A total of 50 aircrafts were recieved: a first batch of 20 arrived between 1981 and 1982, a second between 1984 and 1986. But, in fact, the Air Force never operated 50 aircrafts - the maximum number should have been 46, because, when the last Coirsair landed in Monte Real, three had been lost in Portugal and also another one during the flight to Portugal.
The portuguese pilotos pushed the A-7P to its limits. Although the majority of the missions of the fleet were tactical air support for land operations (TASLO) or maritime operations (TASMO), the Coirsair had to defend the portuguese air space, a situation for which it was not the best option due to its characteristics and weapon systems.
During eighteen years of operations with the Cross of Christ in their wings, the A-7 fleet flew 64.000 hours. Currently, the Air Force operates the F-16 OCU in 201 Squadron "Falcões" and the F-16 MLU in the 301 Squadron "Jaguares" - the last one has taken the responsability of the missions of the 304 Squadron "Magníficos", desactivated in 1999.
The following photos show the aircraft (tail number 15521) that made the last flight of the fleet - in 9 July, 1999. They were taken during my visit to Monte Real, in July of 2004.

General view of the A-7P '15521' in statical exhibition in the air base of Monte Real, home of the F-16 fleet.

General view of the aircraft. The right side of the vertical stabilizer shows a tiger, symbol of the 304 Squadron "Magníficos", the last operator of the A-7P on the Portuguese Air Force.

A shot showing the left side of the vertical stabilizer with a falcon, the symbol of the 302 Squadron "Falcões".

A vertical photo of the aircraft.

[All the photos were taken with a Nikon F65 and 28-80mm zoom lens and a Fuji Superia ISO 100 film]

Pedro Monteiro

Musée des Blindes de Saumur

2007-06-03T10:23:00.000Z

In the french city of Saumur is a famous tank museum - the Musée des Blindes de Saumur (check here the official web site). The museum has the largest collection in the world of Second World War german tanks, as well as a significant number of vehicles (e.g., East Europe and First World War tanks) in working condition. The museum has more than 850 vehicles, a third of which work and 200 on permanent display. Usually, an exhibition with the working vehicles is organized in July. You may find that a vehicle referred in the website or here isn't occupying its designated spot because many of the vehicles are moved from time to time for maintenance.

For a complete history of the museum, the portuguese readers can check an article published on Jornal do Exército (the official magazine of the portuguese army) in 1981 (page 1 and page 2). In this link you can also check a scan that I made of a list and plan with the equipment on display. Finally, as an aditional suggestion, I would recommend the reading of this text by Michael J. Meese.
In the summer of 2003, I had the opportunity to make a visit - obviously, I took a few shots and filmed the vehicles in exposition. Here it's a sample of the shots that I took.

A point of interest in the collection is the diversity of vehicles from East Europe countries. Saumur's collection includes, for example, a T-34, T-54/55 and T-72 tanks; tracked PT-76 and BMP-1 and wheeled BTR-70 and BRDM-2 (photo) combat vehicles. In the photo a BRDM-2, a combat reconnaissance and patrol vehicle with a crew of 4 and 7 tons of weight.

An iraqui T-55 tank captured by french forces in the first Gulf War, 1991. Over 95.000 T-54/55 were produced, making it the most-produced tank series in history. The simplicity of these vehicles is due to two reasons: their production was easier and faster; the average lifetime of a tank in fight was less than 45 minutes, so it would be a waste of resources to improve this vehicles. Because of this, Varsaw Pact trusted in the superiority of the numbers over the quality of the material.

A french AMX-30B main battle tank with a mine clearing device, as used in the first Gulf War, 1991. When the french troops found large minefields in the iraqui battlefield they had to improvise: they've used mine rollers recovered from East Germany. These machines were operated by remot control.

A reconnaissance light tank Engesa EE-9 Cascavel Mk II. This 12 tons vehicle has a 90mm gun and its engine can achieve a maximum speed of 100 km/h. The vehicle of the collection was operated by Lybia. Along with Brazil, Lybia was the main operator of the Cascavel (400 vehicles purchased).

The german tanks used during Second World War are well represented. In the photo, a Panzer III armed with a 37mm gun. The collection includes, for example, a Panzer IV, Marder vehicles, a Tiger I, a Tiger II, a Panther, Jagpanther V OR an IV/70A tank destroyers and Schutzenpanzerwagen SD. KFZ 251/7 half-trancked vehicles.

A french army's Panhard VBL light armoured vehicle - note the characteristic
camouflage.

An AMX-30 Pluton, a modified version of the AMX-30 main battle tank for launch a tactical nuclear weapon (15 to 25 KT). The french army has withdrawn these vehicles from service due to the end of the Cold War.

[All the photographs were taken with a Nikon F65 and 28-80mm zoom lens and a Fuji Superia ISO 100 film; the use of a tripod, as well of the auto-focus would have improved them.]

Pedro Monteiro

Military Museums

2007-06-02T16:21:00.000Z

The Portuguese Army has several military museums around the country. In the city of Coimbra - known for its ancient and prestiged University and academic tradition - the military museum has a representative collection of the armoured vehicles and tanks which served in this military branch. Here're some photographs.

An impressive M47 Patton main battle tank. Portugal was the first NATO country, after the United States, to recieved this tank (Coimbra, 2005).

A Panhard EBR vehicle armed with a 75mm caliber gun mounted in a FL 11 turret. Portugal was the only operator of the transport version, the Panhard ETT. One vehicle is also presented in the military museum (Coimbra, 2005).

A look at the collection of anti-aircraft guns of the museum (Coimbra, 2005).

It's a good place to visit if you pass by Coimbra. But, for the enthusiasts of armoured vehicles, the museum of Saumur, in France, is, of course, the main reference.

Pedro Monteiro

Portugal Day

2007-06-02T14:15:00.000Z

As happened last year, in June 10th it will take place a military ceremony as part of the commemorations of Portugal's national day. This year, the event will take place in Setubal, near Lisbon.
In the last year, the ceremony took place in Oporto, where this photo was taken.

The NRP Corte Real, a frigate from Vasco da Gama class (Meko 200PN).

Pedro Monteiro

Reports from Portugal (1)

2007-05-30T21:28:00.000Z

The portuguese special operation units - the Destacamento de Acções Especiais from the marines and the Centro de Tropas de Operações Especiais of the portuguese Army, located in Lamego - made a joint exercise with spanish forces last May. The exercise, called Viriato 07, envolved the training of reconnaissance and anti-terrorist technics.

O Centro de Tropas de Operações Especiais, (em Lamego), unidade pertencente à
Brigada de Reacção Rápida, (Brig RR) vai realizar na região de Lamego, no período de 23 de Maio a 01 de Junho de 2007, o Exercício de Operações Especiais “VIRIATO 07”.
Participam neste Exercício as Forças de Operações Especiais (FOE) do Exército Português, o Destacamento de Acções Especiais da Marinha de Guerra Portuguesa, Forças de Operações Especiais do Exército Espanhol e meios aéreos da Força Aérea Portuguesa.
O Exercício VIRIATO 07 tem como finalidade principal, aperfeiçoar a prontidão e eficácia de um Grupo Tarefa (TG) das FOE no planeamento e conduta de missões de Reconhecimento Especial, Acção Directa e Assistência Militar, no âmbito de uma Operação de Resposta a Crise (CRO) inserida na luta contra o terrorismo, exercitar o emprego de procedimentos de planeamento operacional em vigor na NATO e promover o intercâmbio entre FOE nacionais e estrangeiras.

The Brigada de Intervenção (Intervention Brigade, a medium brigade) has conducted its anual exercise, the Dragão 07, in the north of Portugal. Spanish para-troops have also participated on the exercise. The Brigada de Intervenção is going to receive, starting September 2007, 240 new Pandur II armoured vehicles (produced in Portugal by Fabrequipa) and there is an option for more 33 vehicles armed with a 105mm gun (a prototype will be tested in November 2007).

A member of the elite unit Destacamento de Acções Especiais of the portuguese marines.

The Centro de Tropas Comandos (an unit of assault troops, commandos) conducted an exercise in Dornes (Ferreira do Zêzere) in the end of May. It served for training the rescue of non combatents, a situation similar to the one that the portuguese troops found in Guiné-Bissau in 1998.

O Centro de Tropas Comandos, vai realizar, na região de Dornes – Ferreira do Zêzere, no período de 22 a 24 de Maio de 2007, um exercício, com a designação “ESTIO 071”.
Este exercício terá como objectivo testar e avaliar a 1ª Companhia de Comandos no desempenho de uma missão de “Evacuação de Não-Combatentes (NEO), contando com a colaboração das autoridades locais (GNR e Bombeiros Voluntários).
Neste exercício, para além da Companhia de Comandos serão envolvidos cerca de 50 alunos da escola EB 2,3/S Pedro Ferreiro, de Ferreira do Zêzere, sendo criado um cenário em que os alunos simularão os civis a evacuar de um país fictício em crise.

Pedro Monteiro