Portuguese Navy pushes for third submarine and frigate helicopter replacement in defence plan

Admiral Jorge Nobre de Sousa, chief of the Navy staff, outlined the Navy's priority to add a third submarine and eventually replace the helicopters used on its frigates, stating these items should be included in the upcoming Military Programming Law. He explained that the existing helicopters, recently upgraded, remain operational until 2035, allowing the Navy to assess future procurement models, including remote-operated options.

The law, which sets defence spending for the next 12 years, will be examined by parliament. Nobre de Sousa stressed that submarine capability is the only force element providing essential deterrence and can help safeguard critical undersea communication cables, though Portugal lacks full protection capacity. He called for better coordination among state departments and mentioned ongoing projects such as new ocean patrol vessels, logistic supply ships, and the drone carrier D. João II built in Romania.