Monte Real, Portugal – The 10th Edition of Real Thaw (RT18), the Portuguese Air Force Training Exercises, was held recently (January 29 to February 9, 2018) at BA-5 in Monte Real Portugal. It has been 4 years since this base hosted the event. This annual N.A.T.O exercise is spearheaded by the Portuguese Air Force and is joined by this country’s navy as well as forces from Denmark, Spain, France, Netherlands and the United States.
The purpose of this exercise is to prepare the military forces for complexities of international missions through operational scenarios. This helps in the coordination of air, sea and land forces of military forces from different countries.
35 aircraft participated in RT18. Among them were, F-16s of the Forca Aerea Portuguesa (Portuguese Air Force)and Royal Danish Air Force. F-18 Hornets of the Ejercito del Aire (Spanish Air force), C-130J of the United States Air Force and from N.A.T.O and the Armee De L’Air (French Air Force) E-3 AWACs.
As in previous editions, the Portuguese Air Force held a Spotters Day. Over 150 Spotters signed up for the exclusive event. Spotters from various countries were treated to front row seats and a guided tour of the facilities of Esquadra 201 “Falcoes”. Air Museum Network Foreign Corespondent Fernando Reis braved the cold, rain and wind to bring our readers these fantastic images.
For those looking for a different photography experience, keep an eye out for this annual N.A.T.O. exercise “Spotter’s Day”. For more informations go to www.emfa.pt
