The National Defense Ministry confirmed on Sunday that the United States requested authorization on June 18 for 12 refueling aircraft to use the Lajes Base in the Azores, which was granted.
In a statement sent to newsrooms, the ministry, led by Nuno Melo, indicated that the United States “requested, through diplomatic notes, authorization for 12 refueling aircraft to use the Lajes Base, which was granted.”
The Defense Ministry further emphasized that “this is a standard procedure” and that “the aircraft in the Azores are aerial refueling planes.” It stated, “These are not offensive aerial means, but merely refueling aircraft,” reassuring that “no American combat means have passed through the Lajes Base for more than a month.”
Additionally, the notification sent by the Americans to the Government indicated that the aircraft’s mission is to support the United States Naval Force in the Atlantic.
Apart from this notification, which was “issued through regular and appropriate channels,” the Ministry of Defense stated that “there has been no further contact from the United States authorities.”
The issue concerns more than a dozen refueling aircraft from the United States Air Force at Lajes Air Base, which is used militarily by the United States of America under a cooperation agreement, and the reason for their presence has not been fully clarified. On Friday, twelve of these aircraft were noted at the location.
Various political reactions emerged on Sunday following the American attacks on nuclear facilities in Iran. The Left continues to demand that the Prime Minister and the Government provide explanations regarding the presence of more than a dozen refueling aircraft from the United States Air Force at Lajes Base in the Azores.
Notícias ao Minuto | 15:01 – 22/06/2025
When asked by Lusa about the presence of the planes at Lajes, a United States Department of Defense source stated only that “the U.S. European Command routinely hosts U.S. military aircraft (and personnel) for transit operations, in accordance with base access and overflight agreements with allies and partners.”
On Wednesday, the same source was questioned again about a possible reinforcement of military activity at Lajes due to the situation in the Middle East but only stated that there were no changes to announce on that day.
The situation prompted several Left-wing parties to demand explanations from the Government, including the PS, PCP, and BE. PS leadership candidate José Luís Carneiro considered it important to understand these movements so that everyone is aware of the State’s international responsibilities. Previously, deputy Francisco César had stated that the socialists wanted to know if the Government had been notified by American authorities.
The PS wants to know if the Government was informed by American authorities about the refueling aircraft at Lajes Base in the Azores and whether it intends to share the reasons for this movement with major opposition parties.
Lusa | 14:53 – 21/06/2025
[Updated at 22:43]
