Delivery of four new helicopters to Portugal

On 22 November 2023, the Força Aerea Portuguesa (FAP, Portuguese Air Force) officially took delivery of four new helicopters, two UH-60A Black Hawk medium-lift and two AW119Kx Koala utility helicopters. The event took place at Aeródromo de Manobra No. 1 (AM1) Ovar.

The helicopters, Black Hawks 29801 (c/n 701257, ex 87-24669, N669JH) and 29802 (c/n 701231, ex 87-24666, N666AA), and Koalas 29706 (c/n 15025, ex N105MB) and 29707 (c/n 15024, ex N178MB), sport the same colourscheme. The Koalas will be operated by Esquadra 552 (Esq552) Zangões (Drones) at Beja air base (BA11), with a detachment at Ovar, where they wil join the five already operated by the unit.

Although no information was revealed on the Black Hawk unit, Esquadra 551 (Esq551) Panteras (Panthers) was officially reactivated as the Black Hawk firefighting unit on 24 November. Delivery of the helicopters will continue for the coming two years.

In September 2022, Portugal signed an agreement with Arista Aviation Services (AAS) for the delivery of six second hand Black Hawks.

During the ceremony it was also announced that Ovar will officially become Base Aerea 8 (BA8) Ovar. This also came into effect on 24 November.

Credit photo: Força Aerea Portuguesa