Storm Kristin caused major material damage at the Portuguese Air Force’s F-16 base in Monte Real. Authorities announced that there were no fatalities.
The Portuguese Air Force announced that significant material damage occurred at Air Base No. 5 in Monte Real after Storm Kristin affected the Leiria region on 28 January 2026. Authorities confirmed that there were no fatalities or injuries.
Structural collapse in the hangar housing F-16s
Images shared online show multiple F-16 fighter jets inside a hangar, with the hangar’s external cladding and some structural elements torn away or collapsed inward. The images indicate that at least two F-16s were affected by falling debris.
The Portuguese Air Force did not share an official figure regarding the number of aircraft damaged or the extent of the damage. No information was provided on whether the affected aircraft were on active duty, under maintenance, or platforms undergoing long-term maintenance.
Air defence mission continues
In a late official statement, it was emphasised that Storm Kristin caused “significant impacts” at Monte Real, while it was reported that immediate action had been taken to resume normal operations at the base. It was stated that the safety of military and civilian personnel was the priority.
The statement also specifically stressed that despite the damage, Portugal’s air defence mission has maintained its functionality.
Winds of 178 km/h recorded
According to information reflected in the Portuguese press, exceptionally strong winds affected the central and western parts of the country during Storm Kristin. Renascença and other local sources reported that wind speeds at Monte Real Air Base reached 178 kilometres per hour.
Civil defence units announced that thousands of incidents were recorded nationwide, most of them related to fallen trees and structural collapses. It was stated that at least five people lost their lives in connection with Storm Kristin, while three of the deaths are still under investigation.
Portugal’s main fighter jet base
Monte Real Air Base is known as Portugal’s main fighter jet deployment centre. The base plays a critical role in the country’s daily air security and alert reaction missions. The Portuguese Air Force inventory includes 21 F-16 fighter jets.
