Portuguese Airpower in Counterinsurgency: 1961-1974

The Portuguese Air Force (Força Aérea Portuguesa, FAP) played a vital role in the Portuguese counterinsurgency campaign in Angola, Mozambique, and Guinea-Bissau from 1961 to 1974. The FAP provided close air support, airlift, and reconnaissance, and its aircraft were often the only means of reaching remote areas of the conflict zone.

Flight Plan Africa: Portuguese Airpower in Counterinsurgency, 1961-1974 (Wolverhampton Military Studies Book 4)

by John P. Cann

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Language	:	English
File size	:	98856 KB
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Screen Reader	:	Supported
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Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	887 pages
Item Weight	:	1.14 pounds
Dimensions	:	5.67 x 1.26 x 8.7 inches

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The FAP's involvement in the counterinsurgency campaign began in 1961, when the Portuguese government sent a detachment of F-86 Sabre fighter jets to Angola to support the army in its fight against the National Liberation Front of Angola (FNLA). The Sabres were used to provide close air support for Portuguese ground forces, and they also carried out bombing raids against FNLA targets.

In 1964, the FAP expanded its operations to Mozambique, where it provided close air support for the army in its fight against the Mozambique Liberation Front (FRELIMO). The FAP also flew airlift missions in Mozambique, transporting troops and supplies to remote areas of the conflict zone.

In 1965, the FAP began operations in Guinea-Bissau, where it provided close air support for the army in its fight against the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC). The FAP also flew airlift missions in Guinea-Bissau, transporting troops and supplies to remote areas of the conflict zone.

The FAP's role in the counterinsurgency campaign was controversial. The air force was accused of using napalm and white phosphorus against civilians, and it was also accused of bombing civilian targets. The FAP denied these allegations, but there is evidence to support them.

The FAP's involvement in the counterinsurgency campaign ended in 1974, when the Portuguese government signed a ceasefire with the liberation movements in Angola, Mozambique, and Guinea-Bissau. The FAP withdrew its aircraft from the conflict zone, and the Portuguese government began to negotiate a settlement with the liberation movements.

The FAP's role in the counterinsurgency campaign was complex and controversial. The air force played a vital role in the Portuguese government's efforts to suppress the liberation movements, but it also committed human rights abuses. The legacy of the FAP's involvement in the counterinsurgency campaign is still debated today.

Portuguese Air Force Aircraft Used in Counterinsurgency

The FAP used a variety of aircraft in the counterinsurgency campaign, including:

• F-86 Sabre fighter jet
• T-6 Texan trainer aircraft
• C-47 Dakota transport aircraft
• Nord Atlas transport aircraft
• Alouette III helicopter
• Bell 47 helicopter

The F-86 Sabre was the FAP's primary fighter jet during the counterinsurgency campaign. The Sabre was a highly maneuverable aircraft, and it was well-suited for close air support operations. The FAP also used the T-6 Texan trainer aircraft for close air support and reconnaissance missions.

The C-47 Dakota and Nord Atlas transport aircraft were used by the FAP to transport troops and supplies to remote areas of the conflict zone. The Alouette III and Bell 47 helicopters were used by the FAP for reconnaissance and medical evacuation missions.

Portuguese Air Force Tactics in Counterinsurgency

The FAP used a variety of tactics in the counterinsurgency campaign, including:

• Close air support
• Airlift
• Reconnaissance
• Bombing raids

Close air support was the FAP's primary mission in the counterinsurgency campaign. The FAP's fighter jets and trainer aircraft were used to provide close air support for Portuguese ground forces. The FAP's aircraft were often the only means of reaching remote areas of the conflict zone, and they were able to provide vital support to Portuguese ground forces.

Airlift was another important mission for the FAP in the counterinsurgency campaign. The FAP's transport aircraft were used to transport troops and supplies to remote areas of the conflict zone. The FAP's transport aircraft were also used to evacuate wounded soldiers from the battlefield.

Reconnaissance was another important mission for the FAP in the counterinsurgency campaign. The FAP's reconnaissance aircraft were used to gather intelligence on insurgent movements. The FAP's reconnaissance aircraft were also used to identify targets for bombing raids.

Bombing raids were a controversial aspect of the FAP's role in the counterinsurgency campaign. The FAP's fighter jets and trainer aircraft were used to carry out bombing raids against insurgent targets. The FAP's bombing raids were often indiscriminate, and they resulted in the deaths of many civilians.

The Legacy of Portuguese Airpower in Counterinsurgency

The legacy of Portuguese airpower in counterinsurgency is complex and controversial. The FAP played a vital role in the Portuguese government's efforts to suppress the liberation movements in Angola, Mozambique, and Guinea-Bissau, but it also committed human rights abuses. The FAP's use of napalm and white phosphorus against civilians is a particularly dark chapter in the history of the counterinsurgency campaign.

The FAP's involvement in the counterinsurgency campaign also had a negative impact on the Portuguese military. The FAP's close ties to the Portuguese government led to the air force being seen as a tool of oppression. This perception damaged the FAP's reputation, and it made it difficult for the air force to recruit and retain qualified personnel.

Today, the FAP is a professional and respected air force. The FAP has played a key role in Portugal's international commitments, and it has participated in a number of NATO operations. The FAP is also committed to human rights, and it has a strong record of respecting the rights of civilians.

The FAP's involvement in the counterinsurgency campaign is a reminder of the dangers of using airpower in counterinsurgency operations. The FAP's indiscriminate use of napalm and white phosphorus against civilians is a

Flight Plan Africa: Portuguese Airpower in Counterinsurgency, 1961-1974 (Wolverhampton Military Studies Book 4)

by John P. Cann

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	98856 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	887 pages
Item Weight	:	1.14 pounds
Dimensions	:	5.67 x 1.26 x 8.7 inches

FREE