Portugal will strengthen its maritime surveillance using drones similar to those used by Ukraine
The Portuguese Air Force will receive AR5 drones from the technology company Tekever to enhance maritime surveillance. The company is also supplying these same systems to the Ukrainian Defense Forces, where they are already carrying out reconnaissance missions.
Deliveries to the Portuguese Air Force are scheduled to begin in September. The drones will be used for maritime surveillance, security, and monitoring of the exclusive economic zone.
Tekever is set to begin delivering AR5 drones to the Portuguese Air Force in September for maritime surveillance missions.
In a statement, the company—which has become a major player in the unmanned systems industry, particularly in the context of drone exports to Ukraine—announced the signing of a contract with the Air Force.
The agreement also provides for “operator training, as well as the supply of a ground control station and the ATLAS system platform.”
The AR5 drone, which has a wingspan of nearly 8 meters and weighs about 200 kilograms, is specifically designed for maritime missions. These systems are expected to enable the Portuguese Air Force to “enhance its operational autonomy during long-range operations.”
This includes maritime surveillance, security and defense, monitoring the exclusive economic zone, and supporting missions in the public interest.
In a statement, Tekever explained that in the first phase, it will train Portuguese Air Force personnel through September so that military personnel can operate the systems immediately upon delivery. Then, starting in October, a second phase of training will take place to ensure “full operational readiness and the development of new skills among operational teams.”
Tekever did not disclose the value of the contract. However, a November order from the Ministry of Defense authorized the Air Force to procure an unmanned aerial system for maritime patrol with a total maximum budget of just over 7.79 million euros.
AR5 drones are operated by the Ukrainian Armed Forces. On the front lines, they carry out surveillance and reconnaissance missions in combat conditions.
This was reported by Euronews.
Portugal opposes the creation of a joint European army.
Earlier, Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten stated the need to accelerate the process of establishing a special tribunal to address Russia’s crime of aggression against Ukraine.
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna called on the international community to urgently establish a special tribunal to hold the direct organizers and instigators of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine accountable.
