Between March 17 and 21, 2025, the Santa Margarida Military Camp in Constância, Portugal, hosted the “STRONG IMPACT 25” multinational military exercise. This exercise brought together nearly 500 military personnel from Portugal, Spain and France, with the aim of training and improving field artillery and anti-aircraft capabilities when employed in high-intensity operations, as well as strengthening interoperability between allied forces.

Between February 4 and 14, Exercise AIRBORNE DAGGER 25 will take place, conducted by the Rapid Reaction Brigade (Brigada de Reação Rápida - BrigRR). The purpose of this exercise is to plan, train and exercise the technical and tactical procedures of an Airborne Operation at Brigade level. The operation includes the airdrop of personnel and material using two Portuguese Air Force tactical airlift aircraft, namely the C-130H from 501 Squadron - “Bisontes” and the KC 390 from 506 Squadron - “Rinocerontes”.

As part of the preparation for the European Union Battlegroup 2025-2/2026-1, the 10.5 Towed Field Artillery Group (No. 4 Artillery Regiment) of the Rapid Reaction Brigade has been involved over the last few days in the Training Field Exercise/Live Fire Exercise (FTX/LFX) phases of exercise TROVÃO 251

From November 18 to 29, the towns of Ponte de Sor, Bemposta and Santa Margarida hosted the first in a series of three exercises aimed at preparing the military for the reality they may encounter in a region affected by a crisis or conflict.

The 551 Squadron “Panteras” is a squadron that, after a period of inactivity, is now celebrating its first anniversary since its reactivation. Equipped with the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, its main mission will be to combat wildfires.

From October 22 to 27, the city of Guarda hosted the Portuguese Army Day Celebrations. These celebrations provided visitors with an immersive experience in the military universe, showcasing the Army's capabilities and the people who serve in it, promoting innovation, commitment to its history and numerous career opportunities.

Following tradition, on September 15 we headed to Monte Real for Open Base Day at Air Base No. 5, the home of fighter aviation. As part of the celebrations for the 72nd anniversary of the Portuguese Air Force, the base opened its doors to the public, showing the visiting public its unit and their missions. As has become customary, there was once again a spotters day where aviation and photography enthusiasts could get close to the action, the perspective from which this report was made.

From the 10th to the 12th of September, the MORSA-SATER Search and Rescue exercise took place once again, with the scenario being the crash of an aircraft. This “crash” led to the activation of the Air Search and Rescue System, a responsibility of the Portuguese Air Force established in Decree-Law 253/95 of September 30.

Inserted in the Dunas de São Jacinto Festival, the Aveiro Air Show filled the skies with breathtaking acrobatics. Everyone present felt inspired to look up at the sky and let themselves be carried away by the thrill of this incredible show.