started yesterday, with Air Base no. 11 (BA11), the 13th edition of "Hot Blade 2021" (HB2021), what is considered the biggest exercise in Europe involving helicopters.
HB2021 will run until the next day 30 and involves about 1.500 military and 26 air means of Portugal, Austria, Slovenia and Netherlands. Advanced air traffic controllers also participate in this exercise. (JTAC’s) from Belgium and observers from Slovakia, Italy and Serbia.
The exercise is organized by the Portuguese Air Force (FAP), planned by the Air Command and takes place within the scope of the European Defense Agency's Helicopter Exercise Program (EDA).
On its website, FAP justifies that the general 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 theaters of conflict and humanitarian support missions".
The missions are planned for the central and southern part of mainland Portugal, existing on the part of the Air Command the concern to reduce the impact on the environment and on the population.
During "Hot Blade 2021", following the recommendations of the General Directorate of Health (DGS), segregated areas will be established and prevention measures implemented, including weekly tests to covid-19 to all participants.
In editing 2018 do Hot Blade, also held at BA11, in addition to the Portuguese military and aircraft, also participate in Belgium, Germany, Hungary, Netherlands and Slovenia, in total 1.200 military and 29 Aircraft.
A Air Base 11, and the structure with the largest operational space in Portugal and one of the largest in Europe, She received between 2 and 14 May, o Nato Tiger Meet 2021 (NTM2021), organized by the FAP 301-“Jaguares” Squadron, where more than a thousand military personnel and aircraft were present. 9 flight squads and 11 allied countries.
Spotters Day HB2021
During the exercise there will be two Spotters Day, on days 22 and 28 June, open to people over 18 year old, and for safety and health reasons, will be limited to a maximum number of 100 participants, the registration having a unit cost of 50 euros/ dia, which includes a kit, where among other things there is the HB2021 commemorative patch.
Teixeira Correia
(journalist)
