The Air Force organizes the multinational European exercise “HotBlade 2023”, from 07 to 23 June, at Air Base 11, in Beja, under the Helicopter Exercise Programme, of the European Defense Agency (EDA).

The HB2023 has the participation of 750 military personnel and 25 air assets from Portugal, Austria, Belgium, Slovakia, Czech Republic and Switzerland. The Netherlands and Slovenia also participate in this exercise with troops on the ground.

The overall objective of the exercise is to increase the interoperability of operations between EDA Member States, exposing the participating forces to a complex operational environment, in which they can train techniques, tactics and procedures, preparing them for current theaters of conflict and humanitarian support missions.

The missions are planned for the central and southern zone of mainland Portugal, with a view to reducing the impact on the environment and on the population.