Portugal boosts National Defence with more investment, innovation, and international ambition

Faced with an international scenario of growing uncertainty, the Government is moving forward with a Plan for the Strategic Boost in Defence Investment, which brings forward to 2025 the commitment to invest 2% of GDP in National Defence – four years ahead of the initially set target.

This investment, in line with the commitments undertaken with NATO and our European partners, seeks to ensure the security and safety of the Portuguese, upgrade the Military and set up the conditions for the Portuguese defence industry to grow. The aim is clear: give Portugal the means, infrastructure, and capabilities that will boost military readiness and increase their strategic projection.

The Military is fundamental at times of peace. We invest in dual use equipment for:

• Medical equipment

• Search and Rescue

• Fire prevention and fire fighting

• Support in fighting crime 

• Organ transport.

Among the measures, we note:

• Developing infrastructure, equipment, and cutting-edge technological systems for the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

• Driving the national defence industry with a direct impact on the creation of qualified jobs and added value generation.

• Boosting cybersecurity capabilities and response to emerging threats.

• Investing in dual use (civilian and military) and food resilience strategies for crises.

• Strengthening European integration in the fields of security, defence, and the economy, and supporting EU enlargement, including to Ukraine and the Western Balkans

• Launching Portugal’s application to non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.

This plan is included in the Government’s Transforming Agenda and reiterates the commitment to a strategic, agile, and effective foreign policy that projects Portugal’s voice in international settings and protects national interests in times of fast-paced change.