Portugal joins three new EU defence projects

Portugal is set to participate in three new joint European Union defence projects under proposals unveiled by the European Commission, aimed at strengthening Europe’s military capabilities through closer cross-border cooperation.

The Commission announced five flagship defence initiatives on Friday, designed to help EU member states jointly develop advanced military systems that would be too costly or complex for individual countries to pursue alone.

Portugal will take part in projects focusing on drone and counter-drone technology, maritime security and integrated air and missile defence.

One of the initiatives, known as DECODER, aims to equip European armed forces with modern, adaptable and interoperable drone and anti-drone systems. According to the Portuguese government, the project will also expand Europe’s manufacturing capacity and establish a network of drone technology centres to support testing, innovation and the rapid modernisation of armed forces.

Portugal is also involved in a project to strengthen maritime defence and protect critical underwater infrastructure. The initiative seeks to develop a joint European architecture capable of preventing, detecting and responding to threats at sea.

According to the government, the project will support the joint procurement of naval platforms, submarine systems, unmanned vessels and anti-submarine warfare capabilities. The European Commission said it will also improve the protection of ports, offshore installations, submarine communications cables, and oil and gas pipelines.

The third project will focus on building an integrated European air and missile defence capability. It aims to improve early warning systems, command and control structures, and ensure that participating countries’ national air defence systems can operate together effectively, regardless of the technologies they currently use.

The remaining two projects announced by the Commission concern space defence capabilities and strengthening security along the EU’s eastern flank.

The proposals must now be approved by the Council of the European Union before they can receive funding under the proposed European Defence Industrial Programme.

An initial €325 million has been earmarked to support the first phase of the projects, with the Commission saying the funding is intended to lay the groundwork for further investment through the future European Competitiveness Fund.

The proposals form part of the EU’s broader effort to reinforce its defence industry, increase military readiness and encourage greater cooperation between member states amid growing security challenges.

Source: Lusa

Inês Lopes

Newspaper editor at The Portugal Resident