Portugal is making waves in the aerospace and defense sectors, showcasing a commitment to modernization and international collaboration as of early January 2026. These developments signal a robust shift in military capability, space endeavors, and NATO engagement, positioning Portugal as a key player in European defense and technology.
Military Aviation Modernization
On January 12, 2026, the Portuguese Air Force marked a significant milestone with the completion of the modernization of its C-130H-30 Hercules fleet. Refurbished by OGMA (Indústria Aeronáutica de Portugal, S.A.), this program was co-financed through European funds under the SESAR (Single European Sky ATM Research) initiative. The upgrades not only enhance interoperability with NATO forces but also promise to reduce long-term operating costs significantly.
In tandem with these upgrades, Squadron 506 “Rinocerontes” has started receiving Embraer KC-390 Millennium aircraft, with plans to expand the fleet to six units in the coming years. This transition is pivotal as it gradually replaces the aging Hercules fleet, aligning with newer operational requirements and enhancing operational effectiveness.
Additionally, the Portuguese Army has initiated training on the CAESAR howitzer, advancing its artillery capabilities with mobile 155 mm systems that adhere to NATO standards. Planned deliveries for these units are expected in the early 2030s, signaling a future-ready military posture.
European Defense Innovation Hub
In a groundbreaking announcement, Portugal will host the European Defence Agency’s (EDA) 2026 Operational Experimentation Campaign (OPEX) in October 2026 at the Santa Margarida Military Training Area. This event marks Portugal as the second nation to facilitate this vital exercise, following Italy’s initial campaign in 2025.
The OPEX will focus on testing various cutting-edge technologies, including autonomous aerial and ground systems, loitering munitions, and logistics support functions. The integration of the EDA’s international scope with Portugal’s Army Technological Experimentation (ARTEx26) creates a unique environment for rapid prototype deployment, fostering innovation and collaborative defense solutions.
The inaugural OPEX involved six prominent European companies and 17 Member States, conducting over 330 missions utilizing unmanned systems. This collaborative spirit embodies the broader goals of enhancing defense capabilities across Europe.
Space Sector Expansion
Portugal’s ambitions extend into the space domain, recently acquiring two Earth observation satellites from Satellogic for $18 million, with delivery anticipated in Q2 of 2026. These satellites will be integral to the Atlantic Constellation, a collaborative project between Spain and Portugal aimed at deploying a total of eight small Earth observation satellites into orbit.
Furthermore, Portugal’s Air Force has signed a historic agreement with ICEYE to procure a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite, marking the branch’s first venture into satellite acquisition. This move positions Portugal to further enhance its capabilities in remote sensing and surveillance.
On January 11, 2026, Portugal also became the 60th signatory of the Artemis Accords, a key agreement that outlines principles for responsible lunar and Mars exploration. Secretary of State for Science and Innovation, Helena Canhão, emphasized the importance of these accords in promoting peaceful exploration and open scientific data sharing.
In a show of commitment to the European Space Agency (ESA), Portugal will contribute a record €204.8 million ($238.9 million) to the ESA’s budget for 2026-2030, reflecting a 51% increase over the previous budget period. This investment underscores Portugal’s dedication to advancing its space capabilities and contributing to European initiatives.
NATO Engagement
The strategic importance of NATO in European security was underscored during the visit of NATO Deputy Secretary General to Portugal on January 7-8, 2026. The visit highlighted the pressing need for increased defense investment in light of evolving security threats across Europe.
During this visit, the Deputy Secretary General toured key facilities, including STRIKFORNATO, NATO’s maritime strike headquarters, and the NATO Communications and Information Academy, reinforcing Portugal’s role in the alliance and its commitment to collective defense.
Conclusion
Portugal’s recent advancements in aerospace, defense, and space technologies reflect a proactive approach to modernization and international collaboration. As the nation continues to enhance its military capabilities and contribute to European defense initiatives, its strategic investments and participation in global agreements like the Artemis Accords position it as a vital player in the future of aerospace and defense. Looking ahead, Portugal’s trajectory suggests a commitment to innovation and collaboration, paving the way for a robust and secure European defense landscape.
References
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Portugal signs on as 60th Artemis Accords Signatory (spaceanddefense.io) - 1/13/2026 Portugal has become the latest nation to sign the Artemis Accords, joining 59 other countries in endorsing a set of principles intended to …
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The Portuguese Air Force received the fourth and final C-130H-30 … (www.zona-militar.com) - 1/12/2026 With the delivery of the last upgraded aircraft, the Portuguese Air Force has completed the modernization of its C-130H-30 Hercules tactical …
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Portugal to host OPEX - Defence Online (www.defenceonline.co.uk) - 1/12/2026 The 2026 iteration of OPEX will focus on several high-priority technological domains, including autonomous aerial and ground systems, loitering …
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Portuguese Agency Buys Two EO Sats for $18M from Satellogic (payloadspace.com) - 1/12/2026 It’s contributing a record amount to ESA’s budget—€204.8M ($238.9M) for the 2026-2030 period, a 51% increase over the last budget period, …
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Portugal to be ‘field laboratory’ for testing European defence … (www.econews.pt) - 1/8/2026 Portugal is the second country to host the European Defence Agency’s Operational Experimentation (OPEX) exercise in 2026.
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Portugal Starts CAESAR Howitzer Training Ahead of Planned … (armyrecognition.com) Portugal’s Army has begun CAESAR howitzer training, signaling a major shift toward mobile 155 mm artillery aligned with NATO standards.
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NATO Deputy Secretary General Urges Defence Investment (defenceleaders.com) - 1/9/2026 NATO Deputy Secretary General calls for increased defence investment in Portugal amid growing security threats in Europe … During the visit on 7–8 January 2026, …
