Portugal news - What is Portugal’s involvement in developing the next generation of European Defence capabilities?
Portugal is part of a group of 6 countries that are developing the next generation of capabilities for European defence in collaboration with the European Defence Agency (EDA). In the wake of the ongoing war in Ukraine, European Defence is modernizing its capabilities to include Tactical Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) as well as future surface warship systems.
In the field of European air defence, the group of countries that is headed by Spain is developing a prototype that is expected to be completed by 2027. Portugal is working on developing Europe’s air defence capabilities in collaboration with Spain, Germany, Slovenia, Romania and Hungary. The new prototype will be used in high-intensity conflicts, with the capacity to take-off without a runway and to cover a range of 200 kms for up to 10 hours.
In the field of maritime defense, Portugal is working with Spain and Italy, in collaboration with the European Defence Agency, in order to develop essential elements of future surface warships under the 4E project. New systems with surface combat capabilities for European defence will be developed for completion between 2035 and 2045.
Europe’s next generation of Tactical Unmanned Aerial Systems and systems for future surface warships will enhance its defence capabilities both in the air and maritime domains.