In Portugal, the Minister of National Defense, Nuno Melo, has announced that Italy, France, Finland, Germany, Spain, and Belgium will supply the Portuguese Armed Forces with new weapon systems and equipment.
The Lisbon partners will provide the Portuguese Armed Forces with equipment worth €5.8 billion by 2030. The programs will be funded through the European Safe, aiming to strengthen the industrial and defense capabilities of the European Union. Canada will also contribute to these purchases, which will primarily utilize systems and equipment produced in Europe.
All three Armed Forces will benefit from the investment. The Navy will receive a pair of new frigates built on Fincantieri’s versatile FREMM EVO model; the Army will mainly acquire wheel-based combat trucks, with the Boxer 8×8 by KNDS leading the competition; and light-armored vehicles, the VAMTAC ST5 from Spanish UROVESA. The Air Force will procure SAR satellites provided by Finnish ICEYE and drones.
A historic investment for Portugal will provide an economic return and engage the national industry, as accomplished by Lisbon in C-390 Millennium and A-29N Super Tucano programs in collaboration with Embraer and the robust Portuguese aeronautical industries.
The Alfeite Arsenal is projected to play a crucial role in the naval program, providing technical support and maintenance to the new frigates throughout their operational life cycle. This will necessitate substantial infrastructural upgrades and investments in staff.
For armored vehicles, Portugal aims to establish a production line that will also be active for subsequent maintenance.
Also, in the satellite sector, the Lisbon Government wants to increase the country’s industrial participation.
The SAFE investment plan was presented by the Lisbon Government to the European Commission by the deadline of 30th November, along with those of eighteen other member countries; by the end of the year, national plans will be evaluated for compliance with the SAFE initiative and the implementation regulation.
The European Commission’s approval will then be ratified by the Council of Europe, which will enable the disbursement of the first tranche of funding, equivalent to 15% of the total loans requested. The repayment of these loans will be spread over a period of 45 years at a fixed interest rate of 3%.
Countries adhering to SAFE will initiate SAFE guaranteed programs from next year.
Image credit @Fincantieri
