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US Military Aircraft Spotted at Portugal's Lajes Air Base

Multiple U.S. military planes have been observed at Lajes Air Base on Terceira Island in the Azores, Portugal, in recent days. This deployment includes aerial refueling tankers, fighter jets, and transport aircraft, amid escalating geopolitical tensions with Iran. According to local media and eyewitness accounts, as of February 18-21, 2026, the base hosted approximately 11 KC-46A Pegasus aerial refueling tankers, 12 F-16 Viper fighter jets, and at least one C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft. Additional reports mention a Lockheed C-5M Super Galaxy landing on February 20, along with around 400 U.S. personnel supporting operations. Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa has acknowledged the activity, stating that the government is monitoring the situation "closely and with full knowledge of the facts." The Azores' strategic location in the Atlantic makes Lajes a key hub for transatlantic military movements, often used for refueling and staging en route to Europe or the Middle East.