Portuguese Airpower In Counterinsurgency 1961 1974 Wolverhampton Military

The Portuguese Colonial War (1961-1974) was a protracted and bloody conflict that pitted the Portuguese military against nationalist movements in Angola, Mozambique, and Guinea-Bissau. The Portuguese Air Force played a significant role in the war, providing close air support to ground troops, conducting bombing raids, and transporting troops and supplies.

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

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This book examines the role of the Portuguese Air Force in counterinsurgency operations during the Portuguese Colonial War. Drawing on archival research and interviews with former pilots and aircrew, the book provides a detailed account of the air force's operations in Angola, Mozambique, and Guinea-Bissau. It also examines the impact of the air campaign on the conflict, as well as the challenges faced by the Portuguese Air Force in operating in a counterinsurgency environment.

The Portuguese Air Force in Angola

The Portuguese Air Force first became involved in counterinsurgency operations in Angola in 1961, when the National Liberation Front of Angola (FNLA) launched a rebellion against Portuguese rule. The air force responded by providing close air support to ground troops and conducting bombing raids against FNLA positions.

In 1964, the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) launched a second rebellion against Portuguese rule. The air force responded by increasing its operations in Angola, and by 1965 it was conducting over 1,000 sorties per month.

The air force's operations in Angola were highly effective in supporting ground troops and suppressing the insurgency. However, the air campaign also caused significant civilian casualties, and it is estimated that over 50,000 Angolan civilians were killed by Portuguese air strikes during the war.

The Portuguese Air Force in Mozambique

The Portuguese Air Force first became involved in counterinsurgency operations in Mozambique in 1964, when the Mozambique Liberation Front (FRELIMO) launched a rebellion against Portuguese rule. The air force responded by providing close air support to ground troops and conducting bombing raids against FRELIMO positions.

In 1968, FRELIMO launched a major offensive against Portuguese forces in Mozambique. The air force responded by increasing its operations in the country, and by 1970 it was conducting over 2,000 sorties per month.

The air force's operations in Mozambique were highly effective in supporting ground troops and suppressing the insurgency. However, the air campaign also caused significant civilian casualties, and it is estimated that over 100,000 Mozambican civilians were killed by Portuguese air strikes during the war.

The Portuguese Air Force in Guinea-Bissau

The Portuguese Air Force first became involved in counterinsurgency operations in Guinea-Bissau in 1963, when the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC) launched a rebellion against Portuguese rule. The air force responded by providing close air support to ground troops and conducting bombing raids against PAIGC positions.

In 1968, PAIGC launched a major offensive against Portuguese forces in Guinea-Bissau. The air force responded by increasing its operations in the country, and by 1970 it was conducting over 1,000 sorties per month.

The air force's operations in Guinea-Bissau were highly effective in supporting ground troops and suppressing the insurgency. However, the air campaign also caused significant civilian casualties, and it is estimated that over 20,000 Guinean civilians were killed by Portuguese air strikes during the war.

The Impact of the Air Campaign

The Portuguese Air Force's counterinsurgency operations in Angola, Mozambique, and Guinea-Bissau had a significant impact on the conflict. The air campaign provided close air support to ground troops, suppressed the insurgency, and transported troops and supplies. However, the air campaign also caused significant civilian casualties, and it is estimated that over 170,000 civilians were killed by Portuguese air strikes during the war.

The air campaign also had a significant impact on the Portuguese Air Force. The war in Africa was the first time that the Portuguese Air Force had conducted sustained combat operations, and it resulted in the loss of over 100 aircraft and the deaths of over 200 pilots and aircrew. The war also exposed the limitations of the Portuguese Air Force's equipment and training, and it led to a major modernization program in the years after the war.

The Challenges of Counterinsurgency

The Portuguese Air Force faced a number of challenges in operating in a counterinsurgency environment. The insurgents were highly mobile and often operated in small groups, which made them difficult to target with air strikes. The insurgents also had a good understanding of the terrain, and they were often able to avoid contact with Portuguese forces.

In addition, the Portuguese Air Force was often hampered by a lack of

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