“The Socialist Party wants to know if the Portuguese government is aware of this movement, if it was notified by American authorities about this same movement, and if it intends, as is customary, to inform both major national political parties and the general population of the reason and cause of this movement,” stated Francisco César, deputy and leader of the PS/Açores, in statements to Lusa.
The issue concerns the presence of more than a dozen American Air Force refueling aircraft at the Lajes Air Base, which is used militarily by the United States under a cooperation agreement.
Francisco César claimed knowledge of 18 such aircraft in the archipelago, with 12 stationed at that facility and six more constantly airborne, whose presence “is known by the entire population” due to the continuous activity.
Additionally, it is “common knowledge” among residents that “the military and crew of these planes are sleeping on Terceira Island, including in civilian pavilions” — because, as he explained, the military base lacks the capacity, and the Sanjoaninas festivities are taking place in the archipelago, leading to full hotel occupancy.
The deputy and socialist leader highlighted that this movement “is not common.”
“Moreover, we are aware of the tension in the Middle East, particularly regarding Israel and Iran, as well as the NATO summit, and there is no explanation or indication from the government regarding whether this movement is related to a NATO exercise or the situation in the Middle East,” he criticized.
The socialists expect that, “at the very least,” the American government has notified the Portuguese Air Force and hope that the PSD/CDS-PP executive will provide political parties and “the general public” an explanation for the reasons behind this movement at the base.
On Friday, Lusa observed 12 aerial refueling aircraft at the facility.
“We have nothing further to share,” stated a source from the United States Department of Defense.
Lusa | 12:50 – 20/06/2025
Asked about the presence of these aircraft at Lajes, a source from the United States Department of Defense said only that “the U.S. European Command routinely hosts U.S. military aircraft (and personnel) on a transitional basis, in accordance with base access and overflight agreements with allies and partners.”
“Beyond that, we have nothing more to share,” they added.
Lusa inquired whether the presence of this number of aircraft at Lajes is usual and if it is related to the situation in the Middle East.
It also questioned if there was a planned increase in military aircraft activity at Lajes.
On Wednesday, Lusa had already asked the U.S. Department of Defense about a potential increase in military activity at Lajes due to the Middle East situation, but it was stated that there were no changes to announce on that day.
