Portugal's Defense Minister Nuno Melo Announces New Military Assets for Forest Fire Combat

Portugal’s Defense Minister Nuno Melo said the Armed Forces are fully preparing for the upcoming forest‑fire season. He highlighted a permanent operations centre at Monte Real Air Base, equipped with drones and patrol aircraft for early fire detection, and the deployment of two Black Hawk helicopters, with a second Black Hawk to join the Ovar base later this year. Melo also announced that two C‑130 aircraft fitted with fire‑fighting kits will enter service in 2027, and two heavy bomber‑type Cannadair planes are being built in Canada for delivery in 2029‑2030. He emphasized that “the Forces are doing everything to ensure they remain prepared to act within the limits of their possibilities.” An accompanying opinion piece noted the strategic role of the Chief of the General Staff in bridging political decisions and military readiness, underscoring the importance of clear authority and rigor in defence structures.