General João Cartaxo Alves Appointed Chief of Defence of Portugal (nato.int)

• Extensive career in the Portuguese Air Force with over 9,000 flight hours
• Leadership positions at NATO centres and air operations
• Appointed Chief of Defence on 1 March 2026

"General João Cartaxo Alves, born in Almada in 1962, joined the Military Academy in 1980 and earned his pilot wings in 1985. His career includes numerous national and international missions (IFOR, SFOR, KFOR, UNTAET, ISAF) and NATO roles, including Director of the Combined Air Operations Centre in Torrejon. From October 2016 he served as Head of the Air Force Chief of Staff Cabinet, was promoted to General in 2022 and led the Air Force. On 1 March 2026 he assumed the role of Chief of Defence."