Portugal’s Air Force to introduce C-130 aircraft into firefighting

The plan follows the first year in which Air Force Black Hawk helicopters took part directly in Portugal’s rural firefighting operation. The aircraft flew more than 200 hours across 56 missions and made over 900 water drops. The figures were announced at a ceremony in Alfragide reviewing progress on the Recovery and Resilience Plan’s acquisition of Black Hawk and AW119 Koala aircraft, the Lusa news agency reported.

The flights were carried out by the Air Force’s 551 Squadron, known as the “Panteras”, in coordination with the National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection. The helicopters can operate in places that are difficult for ground crews to reach, giving emergency teams another option when fires break out in remote areas.

Portugal’s Recovery and Resilience Plan has funded 13 Black Hawk helicopters. Nine are intended for rural firefighting, while the other four will support medical emergencies. This is the first year the Air Force has used the helicopters to fight fires directly.

At the ceremony, Defence Minister Nuno Melo and Air Force Chief of Staff General Sérgio Pereira said they hoped the C-130s would be ready for operations next year, once fitted with the two firefighting kits. The Government also expects heavy Canadair firefighting aircraft to join the country’s resources in 2029 and 2030.

The figures also showed that, by 18 October, Portugal had recorded 5.4% more fires than at the same point in 2025, but the area burned was 72.4% lower. The comparison covers the whole country, not just fires where the Black Hawks were used.

The Air Force’s expanded role comes as Portugal works to rebuild its aerial firefighting capacity. General Pereira described the capability as one developed almost from scratch, while also highlighting the challenge of retaining military personnel whose training takes years.

The next step will be bringing the C-130 aircraft into the firefighting effort. If the planned timetable is met, Portugal’s aerial response will include both helicopters and larger aircraft, adding further resources for teams tackling fires across the country.