Portugal defends €32M Hawk helicopter deal despite expert skepticism
Portugal's Defense Minister Nuno Melo has defended the purchase of four Hawk helicopters for rescue operations, describing it as an 'excellent' decision. The acquisition, costing €32 million and funded by the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR), is expected to be delivered by August 2026.
The Hawk helicopters, known for their medical evacuation capabilities, were chosen based on the government's evaluation document. However, sources verified by Expresso have raised concerns, stating that Hawks are not well-suited for immediate 'medical emergency' response situations. Instead, they are primarily used for transporting patients over long distances.
Minister Melo initially told lawmakers that the Hawks would be used for 'medical emergency actions', but later clarified that their primary role would be 'medical evacuation'. The Portuguese Air Force, which ordered the helicopters, aims to strengthen rescue operations, including combating wildfires. Experts have criticized the minister's assessment chart for grouping different types of aircraft together.
The €32 million acquisition of Hawk helicopters is set to bolster Portugal's rescue operations. Despite initial confusion over their role, the minister has clarified their primary use. The Portuguese Air Force expects them to support firefighting and rescue missions, with delivery scheduled for August 2026.
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