The Lajes Air Base (Base das Lajes) on Terceira Island has recorded its highest number of American aircraft since the start of the conflict in Iran. Currently, 32 US Air Force and Navy planes are stationed there, including 15 refueling tankers and electronic warfare aircraft used for missions in the Middle East. Prime Minister Luís Montenegro stated that the increased activity complies with existing bilateral agreements between Portugal and the United States.
US military presence at Lajes Base reaches record levels
Saturday, 21 March 2026AI summary

7 sources
- Lajes Base has the largest presence of US aircraft since the start of the Middle East conflictCorreio da Manhã ·
- Lajes Base sees highest number of US aircraft since the start of the conflictRTP Notícias ·
- Lajes Base records increase in US aircraft during Middle East conflictPúblico ·
- Military movement at Lajes base is the largest since the start of the attack on IranExpresso ·
- Lajes Base hits record for US aircraft stationed since the start of the conflict in IranCNN Portugal ·
- The novelty at Lajes is the presence of electronic warfare aircraftDinheiro Vivo ·
- Lajes registers strongest U.S.military presence since start of Iran conflictPortugal Resident ·




