The acquisition of the first 20 F-16 A/B Block 15 aircraft was carried out under a program between the Portuguese government and the U.S. government, known as Peace Atlantis I (PAI). This program paved the way for future initiatives, including the subsequent Peace Atlantis II program, which involved acquiring a second group of F-16 aircraft.
The PAI program not only included the 20 F-16 aircraft (17 single-seat A models and 3 two-seat B models for training) but also all the necessary equipment for F-16 maintenance and operation.

Additionally, the program provided comprehensive support, including training and education. In the United States, this support covered the initial group of Portuguese military personnel (pilots and mechanics) who were responsible for operating the F-16 fleet in Portugal. During the early years of operation, a US team of mechanics and engineers was present at Air Base No. 5 (BA5), referred to as On-Site Support (OSS). They provided close mentoring and guidance for fleet management and maintenance.
Furthermore, the operational flight of the aircraft benefited from the continuous presence of an American instructor pilot, known as the Pilot Exchange program.