Rapid Reaction Brigade (Portugal)

Its different units are highly trained Paratroopers, Commandos and Special Operations Troops capable of responding to threats in any part of continental Portugal or any other Portuguese overseas territory with quick deployment by air, sea or land (with the support of the Air Force and/or the Navy when required).

This brigade is the most requested by the Portuguese Government to fulfill international assignments due to its experience and multi-role capability.

The economic crisis forced the Portuguese Government to make budget cuts in the Armed Forces, and in June 2012 it was announced that the Portuguese Army was no longer going to receive the 10 NH-90 transport helicopters that would incorporate the Unidade de Aviação Ligeira do Exército (Army Light Aviation Unit).

For more than 10 years the BAI kept serving the country in international missions, sending Paratroopers to several locations in Europe and East-Timor.

Also, this reformation had its costs since the 155mm howitzers were transferred to the Portuguese Intervention Brigade (thus losing its airborne capability) and the Airborne Troops Command was disbanded, putting the unit under the orders of the Comando Operacional de Forças Terrestres (Land Forces Operational Command) losing its autonomy from the rest of the Army.

The Comandos are an elite light infantry unit capable of conducting several special operations missions, although they are mainly a rapid reaction force.

In the beginning of 2007, the Portuguese Defense Minister decided to end the mission in Bosnia due to the lack of need of a military presence in the area.