The Special Rural Firefighting Device (Dispositivo Especial de Combate a Incêndios Rurais or DECIR) is currently operating without its full complement of aerial assets. The Portuguese Air Force (Força Aérea Portuguesa or FAP) confirmed that two state-owned helicopters are undergoing maintenance, though they are expected to return to service by the end of May.
Firefighting aerial resources face maintenance delays
Thursday, 21 May 2026AI summary
Context & Explainers
The Portuguese Air Force (Força Aérea) is Portugal’s military branch for defending national airspace and conducting aerial operations. Created in 1952, it also carries out search-and-rescue, aerial reconnaissance and disaster support such as photographing floods or moving emergency teams. Residents in affected regions may see its planes and helicopters used during storms and relief missions.
