Latest news and stories about lajes air base in Portugal for expats and residents.
The Left Bloc (BE) submitted a formal complaint this Monday to the Attorney General's Office (PGR) to determine whether the use of the Lajes Air Base in the Azores by the United States of America complies with the law, insisting on a 'gross violation of international law'. 'We have come to submit a complaint to the Attorney General's Office against the Portuguese Government for, in the use of...'
Diana Soller analyses Portugal's position regarding the conflict in the Middle East in light of the latest movements at Lajes Air Base, where a US 'killer' drone, the MQ-9 Reaper, landed early this morning. The CNN Portugal commentator highlights that Portugal chose to do the opposite of several European countries that have 'distanced themselves from the no-longer-so-allied USA'.
Francisco César, a PS deputy, comments on the use of Lajes Air Base in the context of the American intervention in the Middle East
Major-General Jorge Saramago believes the US decided to take a 'pause in operations' in Iran because they 'lack the forces for the next phase' in the region. At the same time, the military expert draws attention to the US MQ-9 Reaper drones that are on their way to Lajes Air Base.
The American MQ-9 Reaper drones, known as “killer drones”, are expected to land at Lajes Air Base in the Azores in a few hours. NATO intercepted a fourth Iranian missile over Turkey this Monday, while the IMF calls for “carefully calibrated measures” to stabilise markets. We are updating all information on the conflict in the Middle East here.
The MQ-9 Reaper drones, the largest unmanned aircraft in the United States arsenal, are expected to arrive at Lajes Air Base in containers, be assembled there, and then proceed to Jordan. On the Portuguese side, the National Aeronautical Authority has requested technical information from the US regarding the aircraft, pilots, and safety procedures, but the operation is still awaiting a green light, with the final decision in the hands of the Government, which has not yet clarified whether it will authorise it. Drone expert Pedro Sinogas explains what these MQ-9 Reapers are and what they can do.
What American aircraft has Lajes Air Base received in the last few hours? The KC-46 Pegasus tanker force has been reinforced with three more units, bringing the total to 18 platforms stationed there. Six EA-18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft have also arrived, which are highly advanced and designed to dominate the electromagnetic spectrum. Additionally, five Northrop Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye airborne early warning and control aircraft are present. While the tanker force remains, the F-16 Viper fighters and P-8 anti-submarine aircraft previously spotted have departed. Armando Mendes notes that while current activity is significant, it remains lower in scale compared to the 2003 Iraq War deployment.
The accusation was made by Iran and has already prompted a warning from the Atomic Energy Agency: nuclear facilities were allegedly hit by Israel and the US. Trump spoke of a slowdown in the military campaign, but statements from Israel and military operations suggest otherwise. Lajes Air Base is once again on the American route.
The Government of the Azores argued today that the region has been losing 'fair compensation' for the use of Lajes Air Base by the United States, but deemed it 'reckless' to revise the bilateral agreement in the current context.
At the Portugal–United States meeting, participants reiterated the strategic importance of Lajes Air Base in the Azores for defence and transatlantic operations.
