Navy open to taking part in Strait of Hormuz demining

Defence minister Nuno Melo has said today that Portugal is willing to take part in mine-clearing operations in the Strait of Hormuz using unmanned vehicles.

Speaking to journalists at the end of a meeting of NATO defence ministers in Brussels, the minister noted that “a large part of the global economy” depends on free navigation through the strait, and that Portugal is “considering the possibility” of stepping up its participation in naval operations in the Middle East.

Melo recalled that Portugal has already taken part in the EU naval operations Aspides, in the Red Sea, and Atalanta, in the Indian Ocean.

“And we are considering the possibility of stepping up our involvement on three levels. Firstly: in terms of personnel at headquarters. Secondly: in relation to mine countermeasures, specifically using unmanned vehicles that will be delivered, should this be decided in due course. And the possibility of using national intelligence gathered via satellite and underwater sources for this effort,” he added.

Nuno Melo said “all of this is currently under consideration and will be brought before the Superior Council of National Defence in due course so that a decision can be taken in accordance with the law”.

When asked whether this meant that Portugal might take part in mine-clearing operations in the Strait of Hormuz, he said: “If the conditions are met, Portugal may, within the limits of our capabilities, participate in this effort”.

“Within the limits of our capabilities, and no further,” he added.

As to whether such potential participation would take place under the French and German initiative aimed at ensuring free passage through the sea lane, Melo said it would form part of the “collective effort” being requested of NATO Allies.

As for a possible increase in personnel for EU naval operations in the Middle East, Nuno Melo said that no figures have yet been finalised.

“At present, the assessment is underway, involving, as is to be expected, the General Staff of the Armed Forces, having consulted the various branches which, through the advice they provide, will subsequently justify the proposal to be submitted by the government to the Superior Council of National Defence,” he explained.

In addition to reinforcement in the Middle East, the minister also indicated that he has authorised Portugal today to join a Norwegian initiative “for the defence of the Atlantic”, which encompasses “several countries”, including Canada and “the main European Atlantic countries”.

Finally, regarding allies in Eastern Europe, Melo recalled that Portugal currently has a presence in “four countries” and is also “considering the possibility of strengthening its involvement, notably by responding to a request from the Romanian government regarding a growing threat from ‘drones’”.

“And Portugal is considering the possibility of strengthening its presence in Romania with capabilities across all domains,” he added.

After US Under Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth indicated this morning, on entering the NATO meeting, that Washington will be reviewing its military presence in Europe over the next six months, Minister Melo conceded that the Americans “are largely withdrawing their capabilities, leaving it to the Europeans to fulfil the obligation to ensure their collective defence”.

“And Portugal is up to that challenge,” he added.

Source: LUSA