“The four ‘Black Hawk’ helicopters will be acquired for approximately 32 million euros, through funds from the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR), that is, about eight million euros per unit,” said an official source from the Ministry of Defense.

“The aircraft will be operated by the Air Force and will be available to reinforce the medical emergency service if necessary. Formal delivery to Portugal will take place by August of next year,” the same source adds.

The reinforcement of equipment for the Air Force was announced on Wednesday by Minister Nuno Melo, during a joint hearing of the Defense Committee and the Budget, Finance and Public Administration Committee for the 2026 Budget.

As part of the renewal of equipment for the three branches of the Armed Forces, the replacement of the end-of-life F-16 fighter jets is planned. But the process, the minister assured on Wednesday, has not yet begun.