“We will always have one aircraft flying and another in readiness”, reveals the commander of the FAP Squadron 601 “Lobos”, Major Hélder Ferreira.

According to the military, the aircraft, which is usually used in surveillance and reconnaissance missions, needs a crew of 13 elements and has autonomy for about 13 hours of flight.

According to Hélder Ferreira, the plane will monitor the ceremony areas, as well as the Pope's reception, with the mission of paying attention to possible threats in areas close to the celebrations, or within the areas where the event will take place.

Major Hélder Ferreira pointed out that this model has sensors and technology that allows “real-time video transmission to the security forces and services that will be on land”.

The FAP's 552 “Zangões” Squadron, which has five AW119 Koala helicopters and which is also headquartered at Air Base No. 11, in Beja, will also be committed to the security plan for WYD and the visit of Pope Francis.