Portugal 2004

International Information

International Operation Name: Portugal 2004

International Mission Name: Portugal 2004

Mandating Organization: North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

Region Name: Europe

Location: Portugal

Mission Date: 11 June 2004 - 6 July 2004

Mission Mandate: To assist the Government of Portugal by monitoring Portuguese airspace during the Euro 2004 soccer championship.

Mission/Operation Notes: Fearful of a repeat of the Madrid train bombings that killed 191, and the rioting that occurred during Euro 2000, the Government of Portugal increased its security operations in preparation for the Euro 2004 competition (12 June to 4 July). Accordingly, the government requested that NATO provide airspace control assistance, a request that was approved on 13 May by the Supreme Allied Commander Europe.

Three NATO Airborne Early Warning Force (NAEWF) E3A aircraft deployed to Beja Air Base, Portugal on 11 June to provide 24/7 coverage of Portuguese airspace. The operation lasted until 6 July. Canadians from the NAEWF participated in the deployment.