In the grip of violent forest fires, Portugal received reinforcements from two Moroccan Canadair aircraft on August 11. These water-bombing aircraft, dispatched urgently, took over after several Portuguese aircraft had been decommissioned, allowing for a rapid reinforcement of firefighting operations. Two days later, the Portuguese government expressed its deep gratitude for this gesture, which came as part of the bilateral civil protection cooperation agreement between Rabat and Lisbon. These aircraft were deployed from the Monte Real air base, significantly strengthening Portuguese resources to contain the spread of the fires. This support is all the more valuable given that the government had extended the state of alert until August 13, due to the high risk associated with high temperatures, despite a decline in fire outbreaks thanks to the current bans.

A recurring act of solidarity

This is not the first time that Morocco has provided assistance to Portugal in emergency situations. Indeed, in September 2024, on the high instructions of King Mohammed VI, the Royal Air Force deployed—already from Monte Real—two Canadair aircraft and a Casa support aircraft, accompanied by four crews and a technical team, to support Portugal in the fight against serious fires in the north of the country.

Since 2016, this mission represents the third Moroccan intervention on Portuguese soil. In 2016 and 2017, Moroccan aircraft carried out nearly 70 sorties, totaling approximately 230 flight hours. This commitment illustrates the consistent exemplary operational cooperation between Rabat and Lisbon in the fight against natural disasters.