The Aeronautical Merit Medal (or Medalha de Mérito Aeronáutico in Portuguese) is a military decoration established on October 11, 1985.
It is awarded to military and civilian personnel, both national and foreign, who demonstrate exceptional technical-professional competence, extraordinary performance, and significant personal qualities, thereby contributing to the efficiency, prestige, and mission fulfillment of the Portuguese Air Force.
This medal was one of the first three branch-specific medals created in 1985 for each branch of the Armed Forces. It preceded the Medal of the Cross of Saint George, established by the General Staff of the Armed Forces in 2000, and the Medal of National Defense, created by the Ministry of National Defense in 2002.
The Aeronautical Merit Medal is awarded according to the following criteria:
- 1st Class (MPMA): Awarded to general officers and colonels.
- 2nd Class (MSMA): Awarded to lieutenant colonels and majors.
- 3rd Class (MTMA): Awarded to other officers and sergeant majors.
- 4th Class (MQMA): Awarded to other sergeants and enlisted personnel.
