The defence minister on Monday highlighted the production of drones, satellites and defence systems as areas in which Portugal and Greece intend to deepen their cooperation, following the signing of an agreement for the sale of three aircraft.
Nuno Melo conveyed this position in a brief statement to the media at the Greek Ministry of Defence in Athens, alongside his counterpart, Nikos Dendias, after the agreement between the two countries for the sale of three KC-390s had been signed.
Portugal and Greece today signed an agreement for the sale of three Embraer KC-390 aircraft in a deal worth around €590 million, which is expected to generate €33 million in revenue for the Portuguese State.
A bilateral cooperation agreement was also signed between the Hellenic Air Force and the Portuguese Air Force.
The Portuguese minister noted that «there are many things» the two countries can do together, highlighting the possibility of deepening collaboration in areas such as satellites, drone production, defence systems and aircraft.
«Our countries are very similar in many respects, so we understand each other very easily,» he emphasised, noting that this type of partnership will bring «mutual benefits» to Portugal and Greece.
As for the agreement signed today, Nuno Melo said it should be seen as a step towards a «long-term strategic partnership, rather than simply a procurement programme».
He believes this deal will strengthen cooperation between the Portuguese and Greek air forces in areas such as training, maintenance, logistics, operational support and the development of military capabilities.
Later, speaking to Lusa, Melo revealed that the Greek Government had expressed interest in the future Portuguese multi-purpose vessel D. João II, which is due to be handed over to the Navy in 2027.
«This concept has greatly interested the Greek Government, and there is a desire to explore further, with a view to the future, the possibility of acquiring vessels with these characteristics in partnership with the Navy,» he said.
The minister also noted that Greece is interested in unmanned aerial, surface and underwater vehicles, as well as the Super Tucano aircraft, a version of which, adapted to NATO requirements, could, according to the minister, soon begin to be manufactured in Portugal.
When asked about potential financial gains for the Portuguese State from the sale of ships such as the D. João II, Melo noted that talks are at an early stage, so business models will only be defined if the agreements are finalised.
For his part, in remarks following the signing of the agreement, the Greek defence minister, Nikos Dendias, described the deal as an important milestone in relations between the two countries and highlighted Portugal’s experience in operating the KC-390s.
Dendias also referred to the intention of the two countries to deepen their partnerships in areas such as aircraft and shipbuilding, citing drone carriers as an example.
The contract between the two states was signed by the Director-General for Armaments and National Defence Assets, António José Baptista, and by the Director-General of the Greek Directorate for Defence Investments and Armaments, Major-General Ioannis Bouras, in the presence of the two ministers and the Chief of the Air Force Staff, General Sérgio Pereira.
In addition to the three aircraft, the contract includes mission equipment, support for entry into service and subsequent assistance to the Greek Air Force.
Portugal will be responsible for supervising production, monitoring the acceptance and delivery processes for the aircraft, the operational transition and initial training of Greek crews and mechanics, which will take place at Beja Air Base.