Military Bases in Portugal
Prep for your move to Portugal with this guide.
Air Force Bases
Lajes Field
Located in Lajes, Portugal
Lajes Field in Lajes, Portugal, is a vital U.S. Air Force installation supporting transatlantic air operations and NATO missions. Known for its strategic mid-Atlantic location, the base offers limited on-base housing and access to local Portuguese schools and amenities.
Portugal’s Atlantic Military Hub
For U.S. military members and families on PCS or TDY to Portugal, Lajes Field on Terceira Island in the Azores is the primary hub, known as the “Crossroads of the Atlantic” for its transatlantic support role. Operated jointly by the U.S. Air Force and Portuguese Air Force under a 1943 Status of Forces Agreement, this base facilitates NATO and U.S. missions. This guide to military bases in Portugal offers insights into Lajes Field’s role, historical significance, economic impact, and community support, ensuring a rewarding assignment in this scenic archipelago.
Historical Foundations
Lajes Field’s origins date to 1928, when Portuguese Army Lieutenant Colonel Eduardo Gomes da Silva proposed an airfield on Terceira’s Lajes plain. Construction began in 1934, replacing the inadequate Achada airfield, with a packed-earth runway and support facilities. During WWII, the base, designated Air Base No. 4, expanded in 1943 when Portugal granted British and U.S. basing rights under the 1373 Anglo-Portuguese Treaty, supporting Allied convoys with Gloster Gladiator fighters. By 1949, Portugal’s NATO membership made Lajes a key alliance asset, hosting U.S. refueling operations during the Cold War and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Economic Impact
Lajes Field is a vital economic driver for Terceira, employing 164 U.S. military personnel and 420 Portuguese civilians, contributing $150 million annually through contracts and local spending. The base’s 416 family housing units, Navy Exchange (NEX), and commissary support Praia da Vitória’s economy, while 1,793 DoD personnel and families boost tourism. U.S. families benefit from DoDDS schooling (Lajes Elementary/High School), TRICARE clinics, and MWR programs, including beach recreation and Angra do Heroísmo’s UNESCO sites. A 2025 sustainability initiative, replacing coal boilers with natural gas, enhances base efficiency.
Key Military Facilities
Lajes Field (Terceira, Azores): Hosts the 65th Air Base Wing, supporting 3,000 annual aircraft transits with KC-135 Stratotankers and C-17 Globemaster IIIs for NATO and CENTCOM missions.
Beja Air Base (Beja): A Portuguese Air Force base with occasional U.S. access, hosting the 601st Squadron with F-16 Fighting Falcons for NATO exercises.
Montijo Air Base (Montijo): Supports Portuguese Air Force EH101 Merlin helicopters, with U.S. rotational training for C-130J Super Hercules.
Strategic Importance
Lajes Field’s 15,000-foot runway, 48% of U.S. Air Forces in Europe’s fuel capacity, and 21% of parking space make it a critical transatlantic hub, supporting 3,000 aircraft annually from 20 nations, including KC-46 Pegasus refuelers in a 2024 exercise. The 65th Air Base Wing’s 729th Air Mobility Squadron ensures airlift for Operation Inherent Resolve, while its communication relay covers the Mid-Atlantic Gap for nuclear command and control. A 2025 airfield damage repair exercise with Portuguese forces enhanced NATO interoperability. Unconfirmed drone incursion reports had no operational impact.
Notable Distinctions
Lajes Field, spanning 1,000 acres, is a key NATO transatlantic base, hosting the 65th Air Base Wing and supporting 1,793 DoD personnel. Its South Tank Farm holds 10 million gallons of fuel, vital for NATO operations. Beja Air Base is Portugal’s primary F-16 training site, while Montijo Air Base supports maritime rescue. Lajes’ 416 housing units, DoDDS schools, and MWR programs, like beach outings and the Holy Ghost Festival, offer exceptional quality of life for U.S. families.
U.S. service members on PCS to Portugal or TDY in Portugal will find strategic missions and a close-knit community at Lajes Field. From Terceira’s volcanic vistas to the Azores’ cultural festivals, Portugal’s bases provide robust support, quality education, and unforgettable experiences for military families.