Unit hosts exercise with about a thousand military and 25 international airlines.
The Air Force organizes the multinational European exercise “HotBlade 2023”, of 7 a 21 June, Air Base No. 11, in Beja, under the Helicopter Exercise Program, the European Defense Agency (EDA).
HB2023 has the participation of around 1000 military and 25 air means of Portugal, Austria, Belgium, Slovakia, Czech Republic and Switzerland. The Netherlands and Slovenia also participate in this exercise with troops on the ground.
According to the Air Force, the overall objective of the exercise is to increase the interoperability of operations between EDA Member States, exposing participating forces to a complex operating environment, in which they can train techniques, tactics and procedures, preparing them for today's theaters of conflict and humanitarian support missions.
The missions are planned for the central and southern part of mainland Portugal, with the concern to reduce the impact on the environment and on the population.
Air Festival on BA11-18 June
In 18 June, all roads lead to Air Base No. 11, in Beja, where the most anticipated air festival will color the Alentejo skies.
Inserted in the celebrations of the 71st Anniversary of the Air Force, the Beja Air Show is an air festival open to the public and free of charge. This event is a unique opportunity for visitors to appreciate the beauty of aviation., watching air demonstrations, acrobatic shows and exhibitions of national and international aircraft.
In addition to aerial demonstrations, the Beja Air Show also offers interactive activities, such as static displays of aircraft, various exhibitions and interactive activities with virtual reality glasses and flight simulators.
This event is a celebration of Air Force history., and that for 2023 the organization dedicates the air festival to the themes of innovation, sustainable technological development and ecological practices.
The first Beja Air Show promises to be an unforgettable and exciting experience for all visitors. Despite being a free event, must access the registration platform (https://emfa.pt/p-1075-beja-air-show), whose registrations will open soon.
confirmed patrols: Red Arrows, ASPA Patrol, YAKStars, The Green March, Juan Velard and F-16M FAP.
Events: flight baptisms, paratrooper drop, Demonstration of Capabilities, Static Displays, Demonstration of A-29 Capabilities, Hi-Fly Demonstration and Balloon Activities.
The Air Festival takes place between 10 e as 17,00 horas do dia 18 June, as access to the interior of the BA11 to be done from the 08,00 hours, done through the Main Door.
There will also be two car parks outside the unit. (Ovibeja civil airfield and parking lot), with buses available to transport visitors to the BA11, where there will be tents with food and drink options, not possible for animals to access.
