Portuguese Air Force

The Portuguese Air Force (Portuguese: Força Aérea Portuguesa) is the air force of [Portugal]. In Portugal, it is referred to by the acronym FAP, but internationally is often referred to by the acronym PoAF. It is one of the three branches of the Portuguese Armed Forces.

The Portuguese Air Force was formed on July 1st, 1952, when the former Aeronáutica Militar (Army Aviation) and Aviação Naval (Naval Aviation) were united in a single independent Air Force. However, its origins dates back to 1912, when military aviation began to be used in Portugal, later leading to the creation of the Army and Navy's aviation services.

Its Aerobatic display teams are the Asas de Portugal jet aircraft display team and the Rotores de Portugal helicopter display team.

Aircraft Inventory

 * Combat Aircraft
 * General Dynamics F-16A Fighting Falcon x 34 (Multirole Fighter)
 * Maritime Patrol Aircraft
 * CASA C-295MPA Persuader x 6 (Maritime Patrol/SAR)
 * Lockheed P-3C Orion x 6 (Maritime Patrol/ASW)
 * Transport Aircraft
 * Lockheed C-130H Hercules x 6 (Transport Aircraft)
 * CASA C-295M x 8 (Transport Aircraft)
 * Helicopters
 * AgustaWestland AW101 Merlin x 12 (Transport/SAR Helicopter)
 * Alouette III x 8 (Light Utility Helicopter)
 * Training Aircraft
 * Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet x 10 (Advanced Trainer/Light Attack Aircraft)
 * General Dynamics F-16B Fighting Falcon x 6 (Conversion Trainer)
 * Socata TB30 Epsilon x 16 (Basic Trainer)

Future Procurement

 * Dassault Rafale F3 x 36 (Multirole Fighter)