Squadron 991 – “Harpias” participates for the first time in the Real Thaw exercise, organized by the Portuguese Air Force.

The Harpias, the most recent Portuguese Air Force flight squadron, operates the OGASSA 42N/NV and are responsible for carrying out surveillance and reconnaissance, dynamic targeting and personal recovery missions, missions that they have also been training during the exercise.

Major Luís Coelho da Silva, Commander of Squadron 991, considers the Real Thaw “a reference exercise”, as it allows national soldiers to train and evolve with forces from other countries.

“This exercise, due to its complexity, prepares us for any mission we may have because surveillance and reconnaissance missions are part of what we do, be it surveillance of a forest or enemy territory”, explains the Commander of the squadron.

Major Luís Coelho da Silva also explains that carrying out this type of training missions under military jurisdiction gives “the flexibility and skill necessary to carry out operations while maintaining flight safety”, since in terms of legislation it is not yet possible in the environment civil the operation of manned and unmanned means in the same airspace.

“Another added value is the fact that the other means that are operating with the 991 Squadron for the first time in the exercise have gained confidence in what is done and how it is done”, concludes the Commander of the Harpias.