Lisbon Braces for Major Earthquake Drill: Army's Fénix 25 Exercise Tests Emergency Response

Exercício Fénix 25 testa resposta do Exército a cenário sísmico de grande magnitude na região de Lisboa - ®DR

Fénix 25: Portugal's Largest Military Emergency Support Drill

The Portuguese Army is set to conduct Exercise Fénix 25 in the Lisbon region, marking the largest national training under the Emergency Military Support framework. This exercise aims to evaluate and enhance the Army's coordinated response to requests from the National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection (ANEPC), simulating a high-magnitude earthquake scenario.

Massive Deployment and Key Operations

Exercise Fénix 25 will involve over 300 military personnel and 100 vehicles, mobilizing various operational capabilities. Activities will include command and control, land search and rescue, military engineering, medical support, decontamination, and canine units, all requiring technical precision and inter-institutional coordination.

Collaborative Efforts with Civil and Military Entities

The initiative includes participation from ANEPC, the Lisbon City Council, the Portuguese Red Cross, Volunteer Firefighters, the Air Force, the Republican National Guard, the Public Security Police, the Municipal Police, and the Lisbon Firefighters Sappers Regiment, among other civil protection agents. The training seeks to standardize procedures and validate interoperability criteria between civilian and military entities.

Dates and Strategic Importance

Scheduled for November 17-21, 2025, Exercise Fénix 25 is part of the Portuguese Army's preparation and readiness plan for complex emergency situations, ensuring an effective and coordinated response when civil protection support mechanisms are activated.