Monument to the Portuguese Air Force

Category: Civil Architecture > Monument

District: Beja > Beja > Beja > Santiago Maior e São João Baptista

Location

This monument is located in the city of Beja, in the urban area of Santiago Maior and São João Baptista. It is situated on Avenida dos Comandantes, an artery that, due to its proximity to Air Base No. 11, evokes the aeronautical context characterizing the region, establishing a visual and symbolic link with the local air military heritage.

The Alpha-Jet: A Symbol of Aviation

The heart of this monument is a Dassault/Dornier Alpha-Jet aircraft, a light training and attack aircraft that left an important mark on the history of the Portuguese Air Force. Carefully erected on a pedestal, the Alpha-Jet serves as a tangible reminder of its vital role in national jet aviation and in the training of countless generations of pilots.

This fighter, which served Portugal for 25 years, with its last flight in January 2018, accumulated over 53 thousand hours. It was a central aircraft in ground attack missions and fundamental in the training of new aviators, operating in Squadrons 301 “Jaguares” and 103 “Caracóis”. Its monumental presence is a visible testament to the dedication and legacy left in the memory of all who interacted with it during those years.

Homage and Heritage

Inaugurated on October 1, 2014, this monument is a lasting homage to the operational legacy of the Alpha-Jet and to the trajectory of the Portuguese Air Force. It is a point of interest that invites reflection on the evolution of military aviation in the country and the strategic role of Beja in this context.

The choice to highlight this specific aircraft underlines its historical relevance and the recognition of its contribution to national defense and security. For visitors, it provides an opportunity to connect with a genuine piece of Portuguese aeronautical history, in an environment that celebrates the memory and value of the Air Force.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt