The Brigada de Reacção Rápida is a unit of the Portuguese Army which was known as BAI - Brigada Aerotransportada Independente until 2006. Its different units are highly trained Paratroopers, Commandos and Special Operations Troops capable of responding to threats in any part of continental Portugal or any other Portuguese overseas territory with quick deployment by air, sea or land. This brigade is the most requested by the Portuguese Government to fulfill international assignments due to its experience and multi-role capability.
Portuguese soldiers conduct Halo Jump during Saber Strike 18 in Latvia.
Field artillery unit of the Portuguese Army's Rapid Reaction Brigade of the 4th Artillery Regiment
Image: VAMTAC ST5 blindado Ejército español
The Army Light Aviation Unit was the planned aviation unit of the Portuguese Army. Created in 2000 as the Army Light Aviation Group (GALE), it was the Army's unit dedicated to missions of light aviation, being integrated in the Army Forces System, under the operational command of the Ground Forces Operational Command. It was planned to be equipped with light fire support and medium maneuver helicopters. The process of helicopter procurement, however, suffered successive setbacks until being finally canceled in 2012, causing the unit disbandment in 2015.
Old Piper Super-Cub L-21 of the Artillery Observation Light Aviation of the Portuguese Army in the 1950s, now in the Air Museum.
A Portuguese Air Force Alouette III performing a medical evacuation during the war in Portuguese Guinea.
A Swiss EC635, a helicopter initially developed to address the specific requirements of the Portuguese Army, but that ended up not being used by it.
NH90 TTH mock-up with Portugal's flag representing the Portuguese participation in the program.