Military

Air Forces and Military Air Arms

Bulgarian Air Force

by
Operator Profile
Su-25K serial 196 (photo via Chris Remy)
Current Title: Bulgarski Voennovazdushni Sili
Title in English: Bulgarian Air Force
Abbreviation: BVVS

History

Narrative Summary:
Air Force History

Key Dates:
20 April 1906*    Aeronautical Platoon established to operate balloons
July 1912*    First Army pilots return from training in France
13 August 1912*    Simeon Petrov becomes first Bulgar to pilot an aeroplane over Bulgaria
16 October 1912*    First combat operations by Bulgarian aircraft
2 November 1912*    First Aeroplane Platoon retrospectively authorised
27 September 1915*    First fighter aircraft (3 x Fokker E.III) delivered
2 October 1915*    Bulgaria enters First World War on the side of Germany
21 April 1916    First aerial combat using aircraft mounted guns
30 September 1916    Fokker E.III shoots down intruder near Sofia – first aerial victory
2 April 1917    Albatros C.III shot down – first combat loss to enemy fighters
29 September 1918    Bulgaria surrenders to the Allies
27 November 1919    Treaty of Neuilly bans all Bulgarian aviation
late December 1920    Disbanding of Army Aviation Corps completed
25 January 1921    Gendarmerie Air Squadron established
30 March 1922    Gendarmerie Air Squadron disbanded
1923    Bulgarian civil aviation approved by International Aviation Convention
1927    Three clandestine military air squadrons established
1930    Aeronautical Regiment formed to control military aviation
28 July 1934    Royal Bulgarian Air Force (Vazdushni Voyski = Air Army) established
1937    Neuilly Treaty restrictions abandoned – rapid expansion of Air Force initiated
30 May 1940    Air Force becomes an independent armed service
2 March 1941    German 12th Army and Fliegerkorps VIII move into Bulgaria
late April 1941    Air units support Bulgarian army occupation of Macedonia
1 August 1943    First major Allied air raid to pass through Bulgarian airpace
14 November 1943    First major Allied air raid on Sofia
26 August 1944    Bulgaria declares neutrality in Russo-German war
9 September 1944    Air operations against German forces begin
2 December 1944    Combat air operations over Yugoslavia cease
1945    First Soviet aircraft delivered
1953    First jet fighters delivered
1961    Bulgarian Air Force renamed PVOiVVS (Air Defence and Air Force)
1992    Bulgarian Air Force renamed Bulgarski Voennovazdushni Sili (BVVS)
Sept 1994    Regiment-based organisation replaced by one centred on air bases

* Julian calendar dates (13 days behind Gregorian calendar).


Current Status:
A major rationalisation of the Air Force, called Plan 2004, is currently being enacted, which will reduce it’s size from 465 aircraft to 218. Aircraft serviceability continues to be a serious problem, with many aircraft grounded.

Future Plans:
Air bases at Kamenetz, Bezmier and Graf Ignatievo to be upgraded with funding from NATO.
Six MiG-29s are receiving an avionics upgrade by a MiG/Thales team to make them NATO compatible.
Eight Su-25s are to receive a similar upgrade to make them compatible with NATO.
A contract for 12-20 new fighters is expected to be placed 2005-2007.

Markings


National Insignia:
Current — Historical

Aircraft Serial Numbering System(s):
1912-1915
1915-1919
1925-1937
1937-1947
1947-Present

Unit/Base Aircraft Code System(s):
Coding system not used

Aircraft


Aircraft Designation System(s):
To be added.

Current Aircraft Inventory:
Table of Current Service Aircraft

All-Time Aircraft Used List:
Alphabetical Order — Chronological Order

Aircraft NOT Used:
False reports of aircraft on order or in service

Organisation


Main Headquarters:
To be added.

Current Organisational Structure:
On 1st June 2003 the Bulgarian armed forces introduced some organisational changes. The BVVS is now organised into an Air Defence Command and a Tactical Air Command.

Current Order of Battle:
Table of Current Order of Battle

Historical Orders of Battle:
List of Historical Orders of Battle

All-Time Flying Units List:
List of Bulgarian AF Units

Air Bases


Current Air Bases:
Table of Current Air Bases

All-Time Air Bases Used List:
Military Air Bases Listing

More Information

Books:

‘Air Power of the Kingdom of Bulgaria – Parts I/II/III/IV’
by Dimitar Nedialkov
Published by Fark Ood, Sofia, 2001 ISBN: –
* Dual English-Bulgarian text history of the Bulgarian AF 1906-1945.

‘Aerospace Encyclopedia of World Air Forces’ [Order this book from Amazon UK]
by David Willis
Published by Aerospace Publishing, 1999 ISBN: 1 86184 045 4
* Two-and-a-half page entry on Bulgaria.

‘European Air Arms 2002’ [Order this book from Amazon UK]
by Ian Carroll
Published by Mach III Plus, July 2002 ISBN: 1 898129 73 8
* Brief Order of Battle and current aircraft serials listing.

Magazines:

World Air Power Journal, Volume 36 [Order this book from Amazon UK]
Published by Aerospace Publishing Ltd, spring 1999 ISBN: 1 86184 027 6
* Includes very detailed 15-page feature on current Bulgarian military aviation.

Scramble, 237 – February 1999
Published by Dutch Aviation Society

Videos:
None known.

Websites:

Bulgarian Military Aviation
(Bulgarian aviation history, aircraft, markings, aces etc. Some good photos.)

Bulgarian Air Force
(Website with details of aircraft types used and excellent photos)

Bulgarian Military Page
(Ground and Air Force information)

Bulgarian Navy

by
Operator Profile
Mi-14BT Haze serial 811 (photo via Chris Remy)
Current Title: Aviatzia Na Bulgarski Voennomorski Flot
Title in English: Bulgarian Naval Aviation
Abbreviation: AnBVMF

History

Narrative Summary:
In 1959 three Bulgarian Navy crews began training on two Mi-4M helicopters. A dedicated anti-submarine air squadron was established in October of the same year. Initially, it was subordinate to the Air Force, and based at Vrazhdebna airport near Sofia. On 5 May 1961 the squadron was transferred to Chaika airport and subordinated to the Navy. In 1979 the Mi-4s were replaced by Mi-14 helicopters. On In September 1990 the squadron was renamed to its present title.

Key Dates:
1959    Naval helicopter crews begin training on the Mi-4.
14 October 1959    Helicopter ASW Squadron was established.
5 May 1961    Helicopter ASW Squadron transferred to full Navy control.
September 1990    Naval aviation unit renamed to present title.


Current Status:
Bulgarian naval helicopters are used primarily for ASW and Search & Rescue (SAR) missions.

Future Plans:
Take delivery of six AS.565 Panther helicopters from France.

Markings


National Insignia:


            Main markingFin Flash
The main marking is displayed in three positions on helicopters: on the fuselage sides and under the fuselage. No fin flash is used. Recently overhauled Mi-14s carry an emblem, together with ‘NAVY’ and ‘Voennomorski Sili’ titles on both sides of the fuselage.

Aircraft Serial Numbering System(s):
Bulgarian naval helicopters use the same serialling system as the air force – a unique three figure number for each airframe.

Unit/Base Aircraft Code System(s):
Coding system not used

Aircraft


Aircraft Designation System(s):
None – Manufacturers designations used

Current Aircraft Inventory:
Click on aircraft type for more details

Aircraft Type Total
Del’d 		Total
Now 		Role Origin
Eurocopter AS.565MB Panther 6* – ASW/SAR France
Mil Mi-14BT Haze 2 1 Transport USSR
Mil Mi-14PL Haze 9 4 ASW/SAR USSR

* on order.

All-Time Aircraft Used List:
Click on aircraft type for more details

Aircraft Type Quantity Service Entry Retirement Origin
Eurocopter AS.565MB Panther 6* 2010 – France
Kamov Ka-25Tz, Hormone 1 1984 1991 USSR
Mil Mi-4A, Hound 2? 1965 1979 USSR
Mil Mi-4M, Hound 4? 1959 1979 USSR
Mil Mi-14BT, Haze 2 1979 current USSR
Mil Mi-14PL, Haze 9 1979 current USSR

* on order.

Aircraft NOT Used:
False reports of aircraft on order or in service – none known.

Organisation


Main Headquarters:
Sofia.

Current Organisational Structure:
The Bulgarian naval air arm comprises one helicopter squadron. Initially called the OPLEV-VMF (Otdelna Protivolodachna Eskadrila na VMF – Independent ASW Squadron of the Navy), it was later renamed to its present title.

Current Order of Battle:
Click on unit title for more details

Squadron Type Base
Otdelna Morska Eskadrila Vertoleti* Mil-14PL/BT Tchaika

* = Independent Naval Helicopter Squadron

Historical Orders of Battle:
Not applicable.

All-Time Flying Units List:
Not applicable.

Pre-flight checks for a Mi-14PL
(photo, George Petkov)		 Refuelling a Mi-14PL
(photo, George Petkov)
Side view of Mi-14PL Haze serial 809
(photo, George Petkov)		 Another view of Mi-14PL serial 809
(photo, George Petkov)

Air Bases


Current Air Bases:
All helicopters are operated from the naval base at Tchaika, on the east coast.

All-Time Air Bases Used List:
To be added

More Information

Books:

To be added

Magazines:

Air Forces Monthly May 1998
Air Forces Monthly January 2001
World Air Power Journal No.36

Websites:

Bulgarian Military Page

Thanks to Constantine Pehlivanov & George Petkov for updating this information.

Polish Naval Aviation

by
Operator Profile

History

Narrative Summary

A small air arm for support of the Baltic Fleet was first established during the early 1930s, to operate a dozen or so reconnaissance floatplanes. It was reformed in 1945 as a land-based Naval Co-operation Division of the Air Force, later operating MiG attack aircraft. Personnel wore naval uniforms but operated under air force control. The force was later expanded to include ASW and SAR helicopters.

Key Dates:
1945    Naval Air Division re-established.
1995    Naval gains control of Rapid Reaction unit.
19??    Naval aviation gains additional helicopter units from the Air Force.

Current Status

Polish Naval aircraft and helicopters are now used primarily for transport, patrol and SAR duties.

Future Plans

Procure up to 14 M-28 Bryza for Maritime Patrol duties.

Markings

National Insignia

National Markings

Aircraft Serial Numbers

Polish Naval aircraft and helicopters serials comprise a three or four-digit number for each airframe, e.g. SH-2G 248.

Unit/Base Codes

Coding system not used

Aircraft

Aircraft Designations

None – Manufacturers designations used

Current Aircraft Inventory

Table of Current Service Aircraft

All-Time Aircraft Used List

All-Time Table of Aircraft Used

Aircraft NOT Used

False reports of aircraft on order or in service – none known.

Organisation

Main Headquarters:
Warsaw, UI Wawelska 7.

Organisational Structure

Naval aviation now comprises a Naval Aviation Brigade with three Squadrons.

Current Order of Battle

Table of Current Order of Battle

Historical Orders of Battle

To be added.

All-Time Flying Units List

To be added.

Air Bases

Current Air Bases

The main air bases currently used are Cewice/Siemirowice, Darlowo and Gydnia-Babie Doly.

All-Time Air Bases Used List

In addition to the main bases, there are also a number of smaller airports and airfields around the country which are sometimes used by the Navy.
Military Air Bases Listing – to be added.

More Information

Books

None known.

Magazines

World Air Power Journal No.3 p.144
Air Forces Monthly August 1998

Websites

wikipedia: Polish Navy

airliners.net

Scramble: Polish Air Arms

Slovak Air Force

by
Operator Profile

History

Narrative Summary

During the ‘velvet divorce’ of 1993, the existing Czechoslovak air force (Ceskoslovenske Vojenske Letectvo) was divided up in the ratio two to one in favour of the Czech Republic, based on population ratio, except for the MiG-29s which were divided equally, and the MiG-23s which all went to the Czech Republic Air Force. Since most of the key air force facilities and aircraft had been located in the portion of Czecholovakia which faced the NATO alliance, i.e. the Czech Republic, the Slovaks initially faced several problems in organising the new air force. These included establishing a new control and communications system, redeploying personnel and equipment to new locations, and upgrading the existing air base infrastructure to cope with the sudden influx from the west. On 1 March 1995 the air force completed the introduction of a western-style organisational structure, featuring Squadrons and Wings rather than the previous Soviet system based on Aviation Regiments. Initially known as Letectva a Protivzdu Obrany-Snej Slovenskej – LVPOS (Slovak Air Force and Air Defence Force), it was renamed to its present title on 1st January 2002.

Key Dates:

Key Dates:
1 January 1993    Slovakian Air Force established
1 January 2002    Air Force renamed Armady Slovenskej Republiky Velitelstvo Vzdusnych Sil

Current Status

To be added

Future Plans

Procurement of 18 multi-role fighter aircraft – candidates are used F-16A/Bs or new F-16s or Gripens.
Procurement of 6-10 new trainer/light attack aircraft – candidates include Hawk, L-159, MB339 and M346.

Markings

National Insignia

National Markings

Aircraft Serial Numbers

Slovakian military aircraft carry four-digit numerical serials, usually based on the airframe construction number, e.g. Mi-24D ‘0101’.

Aircraft

Aircraft Designations

None – Manufacturers designations used.

Current Aircraft Inventory

Table of Current Service Aircraft

All-Time Aircraft Used List

All-Time Table of Aircraft Used

Aircraft NOT Used

False reports of aircraft on order or in service

Organisation

Main Headquarters

Trencin.

Organisational Structure

he air force was organised into three role specific Wings, each with between two and four Squadrons or Flights.

Current Order of Battle

Table of Current Order of Battle

Historical Orders of Battle

List of Historical Orders of Battle – to be added.

All-Time Flying Units List

To be added.

Air Bases

Current Air Bases

The main air bases are Sliac, Malacky-Kuchyna and Presov.

All-Time Air Bases Used List

In addition to the main bases, some older bases have been closed and there are also a number of smaller airports and airfields around the country which are sometimes used by the Air Force.
Military Air Bases Listing – to be added.

More Information

Books

Slovakian Military Aviation Bibliography – to be added.

Magazines

World Air Power Journal No.25 p.151
Air Forces Monthly September 1996
Scramble No.209 October 1996
Scramble No.235 December 1998
Scramble No.244 September 1999

Websites

Official Slovak Air Force webpage

wikipedia: Slovak Air Force

PlanePictures.net

Airliners.net

Air-Britain Photos: Slovakian Air Force

Scramble: Slovakia

1st Fighter Squadron, Sliac

Austrian Air Force

by
Operator Profile

History

Narrative Summary

Following the breakup of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, a German-Austrian Flying Troop (Deutschösterreichische Fliegertruppe) was founded as an air policing service, with ex-wartime crews and aircraft. In 1919 the DF was ordered to be disbanded by the Allied Control Commission. On 1 April 1936 the Austrian Republic regained full sovereignty, although it was still prohibited from having any military aircraft. Even so, the Austrian Army quickly set up an Air Force. On 13 March 1938 Austria was incorporated into Germany, and the Air Force merged with the Luftwaffe. On 15 May 1955 Austria was re-established as a sovereign state. The present Air Force was formed in the same year.

Key Dates:
13 September 1955    Army air section formed
9 December 1955    Austrian Air Force re-established
1956    First helicopters received – AB47G
1957    First jet aircraft delivered – Vampire T.55

Current Status

To be added

Future Plans

A replacement for the Eurofighter Typhoon may be obtained, which could also replace the SAAB 105s.

Markings

National Insignia

National Markings

Aircraft Serial Numbers

Austrian aircraft serials are number/letter codes, where the first combination appears to indicate the aircraft type, and the second combination is the individual identity, eg: AB212 serial 5D-HB. The type codes are reused when an aircraft type is retired. Fighter aircraft (except the Typhoon) use a coloured letter system, where the colour indicates the parent squadron of the aircraft.

Aircraft

Aircraft Designations

None – Manufacturers designations used.

Current Aircraft Inventory

Table of Current Service Aircraft

All-Time Aircraft Used List

All-Time Table of Aircraft Used

Aircraft NOT Used

False reports of aircraft on order or in service

Organisation

Main Headquarters

Ministry of Defence, Hütteldorfstrasse 126, Vienna A-1142.

Organisational Structure

The air force is organised into three Kommando (Commands) – Air Surveillance, Training and Air Support – each comprising one or two Wings with between two and four Squadrons each.

Current Order of Battle

Table of Current Order of Battle

Historical Orders of Battle

List of Historical Orders of Battle – to be added.

All-Time Flying Units List

To be added.

Air Bases

Current Air Bases

The main air bases currently used are Tulln/Langenlebarn, Zeltweg, Aigen im Ennstal and Linz/Horsching. In addition, aircraft are detached from the parent units to another two air bases.

All-Time Air Bases Used List

In addition to the main bases, there are also a number of smaller airports and airfields around the country which are sometimes used by the Air Force.
Military Air Bases Listing – to be added.

More Information

Books

Austrian Military Aviation Bibliography – to be added.

Magazines

World Air Power Journal No.5 p.141
World Air Power Journal No.15 p.120
Air Forces Research Nos.2 and 3
Air International July 1995
Air Forces Monthly August 1997

Websites

Austrian Air Force Photo Feature

The Official Austrian Air Force Website

wikipedia: Austrian Air Force

wikipedia.de: Luftstreitkräfte (Bundesheer)

Scramble: Austrian Air Force

Airpower.at

PlanePictures.net

Airliners.net

Swedish Air Force

by
Operator Profile

History

Narrative Summary

In 1912 the first aircraft was presented to the Swedish Army. An Army Aviation Corps was formed with this aircraft, plus a second example. On 1 July 1926, the Army and Navy aviation units were amalgamated into the Royal Swedish Air Force, an independent service. The air force expanded rapidly during World War Two to meet the increasing threat from Germany. Postwar, the air force pioneered the concept of operating jet combat aircraft during wartime from roads and concealed airfields around the country.

Key Dates:
1 July 1926    Swedish Air Force formed from amalgamating Army and Navy air arms
1951    First jet aircraft delivered – SAAB 21R
1959    First helicopters received – Alouette II

Current Status

To be added

Future Plans

Introduce JAS 39E Gripen into service.

Markings

National Insignia

National Markings

Aircraft Serial Numbers

The Swedish military serial numbering system consists of a five or six-figure number, with the first two or three numbers being the aircraft type designation number and the remaining three numbers and individual identity number which normally starts at 001 for each type, e.g. JAS 39C 39230.

Aircraft

Aircraft Designations

Details of designation system to be added.

Current Aircraft Inventory

Table of Current Service Aircraft

All-Time Aircraft Used List

All-Time Table of Aircraft Used

Aircraft NOT Used

False reports of aircraft on order or in service

Organisation

Main Headquarters

104 50 Stockholm 80.

Organisational Structure

The basic operational unit is the Flygflottilj (wing), made up of 2-4 Flygdivisionen (squadrons), each with approx 18 aircraft. Each wing also has an attached flight, a Sambandsflygrupp for liaison duties.

Current Order of Battle

Table of Current Order of Battle

Historical Orders of Battle

List of Historical Orders of Battle – to be added.

All-Time Flying Units List

To be added.

Air Bases

Current Air Bases

The main air bases currently used are Karlsborg, Lulea/Kallax, Malmslatt, Ronneby, Satenas, Stockholm/Bromma and Vidsel.

All-Time Air Bases Used List

In addition to the main bases, there are also a number of smaller airports and airfields around the country which are sometimes used by the Air Force.
Military Air Bases Listing – to be added.

More Information

Books

Swedish Military Aviation Bibliography – to be added.

Magazines

World Air Power Journal No.5 p.146-151
Air Forces Monthly October 1989
Air Forces Monthly November 1997

Websites

wikipedia: Swedish Air Force

Scramble: Swedish Air Force

PlanePictures.net

Airliners.net

Air-Britain Photos: Swedish Air Force

Swedish Military Aviation

Military Aviation in Sweden

Swedish Military Helicopter Fleet

by
Operator Profile

History

Narrative Summary

On 1 January 1998, a Joint Military Helicopter Fleet was created by the Swedish armed forces, to combine the helicopter assets of the Air Force, Army and Navy. On 1 January 1999 the existing units were re-organised into four battalions for peacetime operations.

Key Dates:
1 January 1998    Swedish Military Helicopter Fleet first established
1 January 1999    Units reorganisation

Current Status

To be added.

Future Plans

Acquisition of 24 attack helicopters has been proposed.

Markings

National Insignia

National Markings

Aircraft Serial Numbers

The Swedish military serial numbering system consists of a five or six-figure number, with the first two or three numbers being the aircraft type designation number and the remaining three numbers and individual identity number which normally starts at 001 for each type, e.g. MBB Bo 105 (Hkp 9A) 09209.

Aircraft

Aircraft Designations

Details of Swedish Military Aircraft designation system to be added.

Current Aircraft Inventory

Table of Current Service Aircraft

All-Time Aircraft Used List

Alphabetical Order

Aircraft NOT Used

False reports of aircraft on order or in service

Organisation

Main Headquarters

Malmslatt.

Organisational Structure

The FVHF was organised into five squadrons, but two of these have since been disbanded.

Current Order of Battle

Table of Current Order of Battle

Historical Orders of Battle

Order of Battle for 2006

All-Time Flying Units List

To be added.

Air Bases

Current Air Bases

The main air bases currently used are Lulea, Malmsen and Ronneby-Kallinga.

All-Time Air Bases Used List

The main air bases that have been used are Berga, Boden, Malmslatt, Ronneby-Kallinga and Save.
Military Air Bases Listing – to be added.

More Information

Books

Swedish Military Aviation Bibliography – to be added.

Magazines

To be added.

Websites

Swedish Armed Forces Helicopter Wing

wikipedia: Swedish Air Force

Scramble: Swedish Air Force

wikipedia.sv: Helikopterflottiljen

Nordic Rotors

Portuguese Army Aviation

by
Operator Profile

History

Narrative Summary

The process to establish a helicopter equipped force for the Portuguese Army was launched in 1991 and the unit was officially formed on 1 June 2000. Initially called the Grupo de Aviacao Ligeira de Exercito (GALE – Army Light Aviation Group), it was later renamed Unidade de Aviação Ligeira do Exército (UALE – Army Light Aviation Unit). Army helicopters were to be used primarily for tactical transport, observation/liaison and close air support missions.

The order for nine EC635s to serve as initial equipment was cancelled after a contractual dispute. Delays in the development and production ramp-up of the NH90 medium transport helicopter meant the original in-service date of 2008 was not achieved, and with no likelihood of imminent deliveries, the Portuguese government took the oportunity to cancel the order in 2012. Army personnel who had trained as helicopter pilots were deployed elsewhere. In July 2015 the UALE was officially disbanded, as the Army moved to a new organisational struture.

Key Dates:
1 June 2000 Army aviation force (GALE) formally established.
1 July 2006 GALE renemed UALE.
June 2012 NH90 helicopter order cancelled.
July 2015 Army aviation unit formally disbanded.

Current Status

The unit was disbanded in 2015.

Future Plans

Not applicable.

Markings

National Insignia

Not applicable – no helicopters flew in Army markings. It was expected that the service title EXERCITO would be displayed on the fuselage sides.

Aircraft Serial Numbers

Portuguese army helicopters would have used the same serialling system as the air force – a unique five-figure number for each airframe.

Unit/Base Codes

Coding system not used

Aircraft

Aircraft Designations

None – Manufacturers designations used

Current Aircraft Inventory

Not applicable.

All-Time Aircraft Used List

No aircraft or helicopters entered service.

Aircraft NOT Used

A number of contracts were placed for helicopters to be used by the UALE, but all were subsequently cancelled.
Reports of aircraft on order

Organisation

Main Headquarters:
Avendia Leite Vasconcelos 27, Alfagide, P-2700 Amodora.

Organisational Structure

Two helicopter squadrons were planned to be initially formed.

Current Order of Battle

Not applicable.

Historical Orders of Battle

The planned army aviation organisation was as follows:

Squadron Type Base
Unidade de Aviação Ligeira do Exército
Equadrilha de Reconhecimento EC635 Tancos
Equadrilha de Transporte NH90TTH Tancos

All-Time Flying Units List

Not applicable.

Air Bases

Current Air Bases

Not applicable.

All-Time Air Bases Used List

All helicopters were to be operated from Tancos.

More Information

Books

To be added

Magazines

To be added.

Websites

Official Portuguese Army webpage

wikipedia: Portuguese Army Light Aviation Unit

 

Portuguese Naval Aviation

by
Operator Profile

History

Narrative Summary

After evaluation of the Kaman SH-2 Seasprite, an order was placed with Westland for 5 Super Lynx helicopters in 1990, for operation from the new MEKO 200 class frigates then under construction. The Naval Air Arm was formally established in June 1992 for coastal SAR and shipboard support duties. The first two helicopters were handed over on 29 July 1993. The pilots and maintenance engineers were then trained on the type by the Royal Navy and Westland Helicopters. The EHM unit which operates the Super Lynx was officially formed in September 1993. It is self contained within BA 6 at Montijo and has no Air Force personnel.

Key Dates:
June 1992 Naval air arm formally established.
July 1993 First helicopters delivered.
September 1993 First naval helicopter squadron officially formed.

Current Status

Portuguese naval helicopters are used primarily for shipboard support and coastal Search & Rescue (SAR) missions.

Future Plans

An additional 3 Lynx helicopters are required, to bring the total to eight.

Markings

National Insignia

  
Main MarkingFin Flash
The main marking is displayed on the fuselage sides only on helicopters. The fin flash is displayed on the tailfin. Navy types carry the service title MARINHA on the fuselage sides.

Aircraft Serial Numbers

Portuguese naval helicopters use the same serialling system as the air force – a unique five-figure number for each airframe.

Unit/Base Codes

Coding system not used.

Aircraft

Aircraft Designations

None – Manufacturers designations used

Current Aircraft Inventory

Click on aircraft type for more details

Aircraft Type Total Del’d Total Active Still on Order Role
Westland Super Lynx Mk.95 5 5 0 ASW/ASV

 

All-Time Aircraft Used List

Click on aircraft type for more details

Aircraft Type Quantity Service Entry Out of Service Origin
Westland Super Lynx Mk.95 5 1993 current United Kingdom

Aircraft NOT Used

False reports of aircraft on order or in service – none known.

Organisation

Main Headquarters:
Avendia Leite Vasconcelos 27, Alfagide, P-2700 Amodora.

Organisational Structure

All helicopters are operated by a single squadron, operating from one main base and onboard several ships.

Current Order of Battle

Click on unit name for more details

Squadron Type Base
EHM Super Lynx Mk.95 BA6 Montijo

EHM = Esquadrilha de Helicopteros da Marinha (unofficially 661 Esq.)

Historical Orders of Battle

Not applicable.

All-Time Flying Units List

EHM

Air Bases

Current Air Bases

All naval helicopters are operated from BA6 Montijo.

All-Time Air Bases Used List

The only base used so far is Montijo.
Military Air Bases List
Aircraft & helicopter carrying ships

More Information

Books

To be added

Magazines

World Air Power Journal No.24 p.156
Air International April 1996

Websites

Official Portuguese Navy webpage

wikipedia: Portuguese Navy

airliners.net

 

Portuguese Air Force

by
Operator Profile

History

Narrative Summary

Air Force History

Key Dates

Air Force Timeline

Current Status

The aircraft of the FAP are fully operational.

Future Plans

None known.


Markings

National Insignia

National Markings

Aircraft Serial Numbers

From 1952 FAP serial numbers comprised a four digit number, the first number indicating the aircraft class, the second the aircraft type and the last two the individual identity – Republic F-84G 5121 being the 21st example of class 5 (fighters) type 1.

In 1993 a revision to the numbering system meant that the prefix ‘1’ was placed in front of the old serial of existing aircraft as each airframe came up for in-depth maintenance.

Unit/Base Codes

Coding system not used

Aircraft

Aircraft Designations

None – Manufacturers designations used.

Current Aircraft Inventory

Table of Current Service Aircraft

All-Time Aircraft Used List

All-Time Table of Aircraft Used

Aircraft NOT Used

False reports of aircraft on order or in service

Organisation

Main Headquarters

Avenida Leite Vasconcelos, 27 Alfragide, 2700 Amadora.

Organisational Structure

FAP is divided into three commands:-
COFA – Comando Operacional da Força Aérea (Air Force Operational Command)
CLAFA – Comando Logístico-Administrativo da Força Aérea (Air Force Logistics and Administration Command)
CPESFA – Comando de Pessoal da Força Aérea (Air Force Personnel Command)


COFA is distributed geographically to Base Aéreas (BA, air bases), each of which comprises three Grupos (Groups):-
Operacional (Operational) – flying units & airfield services
Material (Material) – maintenance & supply
Sustentação (Support) – base infrastructure


The basic flying unit is the Esquadra (Squadron).

Current Order of Battle

Table of Current Order of Battle

Historical Orders of Battle

List of Historical Orders of Battle – to be added.

All-Time Flying Units List

Units List

Air Bases

Current Air Bases

The main air bases currently used are Sintra, Lajes, Monte Real, Montijo, Beja and Ovar. In addition, aircraft are detached from the parent units to another one or two air bases.

All-Time Air Bases Used List

In addition to the main bases, there are also a number of smaller airports and airfields around the country which are sometimes used by the Air Force.
Military Air Bases Listing – to be added.

More Information

Books

Portguese Military Aviation Bibliography – to be added.

Magazines

World Air Power Journal No.1 p.146
World Air Power Journal No.24 p.148-157
Air Forces Research Nos.11
Air International April 1996
Air Enthusiast No.73 Jan-Feb 1998
Air Enthusiast No.75 May-Jun 1998

Websites

Aeroflight Pictorial – Portuguese Air Force

Portuguese Air Force Homepage

wikipedia: Portuguese Air Force

Scramble: Portuguese Air Force

PlanePictures.net

Airliners.net

Photos of Portugal Air Force and Navy aircrafts

Air-Britain Photos: Portugal Air Force

Voaportugal.org

© 2026 Aeroflight Publishing