“We will invest in frigates, field artillery, satellites, medium combat vehicles, static vehicles, ammunition, anti-aircraft systems, and drones, with Portugal leading the SAFE project in the case of drones,” announced Nuno Melo during a press conference at the National Defense Institute (IDN) in Lisbon.
On the 28th, the Council of Ministers approved Portugal’s formal application to the SAFE European defense loan program, valued at 5.8 billion euros.
Following the initial application, “a contracting process is now open until the end of February, when the European Commission will confirm everything that will happen,” explained Nuno Melo.
Nevertheless, the Portuguese government’s priorities are already established: the executive wants these substantial investments to result in the creation of new infrastructure, equipment, and staff training at the Arsenal do Alfeite, to bring it “up to the demands of the Navy and also to the demands of the 21st century.”
Nuno Melo stated that Portugal aims to establish an “industrial unit for the production and maintenance of armored vehicles,” not only for national vehicles but also for those of other countries. Additionally, the installation of a small-caliber ammunition factory has been announced, as this production “is deficient in the European Union.”
“Satellite production will also take place in Portugal, reinforcing Portugal’s role in space,” Melo added.
Portugal will develop partnerships with Italy, France, Finland, Germany, Spain, and Belgium in the context of these investments.
Nuno Melo did not specify the number of equipment or the companies from which they will be acquired, but when asked about which investment will have the most significant weight, he said that “the largest program will be related to the Navy,” as two companies, the French Naval Group and the Italian Fincantieri, compete for the sale of two to three frigates to the Portuguese state.
