Portugal and Greece want to deepen cooperation in drone production

O minister of National Defense today pointed out the production of drones, satellites and defense systems as areas in which Portugal and Greece intend to deepen cooperation, after signing an agreement for the sale of three aircraft.

The position was transmitted by Nuno Melo in a brief statement to the media at the Greek Ministry of Defence in Athens alongside his counterpart, Nikos Dendias, after signing the agreement between the two States for the sale of three KC-390.

Portugal and Greece have today signed an agreement for the sale of three Embraer KC-390 aircraft in a business of around EUR 590 million that is expected to generate EUR 33 million return to the Portuguese State.

A bilateral cooperation agreement between the Greek Air Force and the Portuguese Air Force was also signed.

The Portuguese ruler considered that “there are many things” that the two countries can do together, highlighting the possibility of deepening collaboration in areas such as satellites, drone production, defense systems and aircraft.

“ Our countries are very similar in many respects, so we understand each other very easily," he stressed, saying that this type of partnership will bring “mutual benefits” to Portugal and Greece.

As for the agreement signed today, Nuno Melo considered that it should be viewed as a step in a “long-term strategic partnership, not as a simple acquisition program”.

For the minister, this business will strengthen cooperation between Portuguese and Greek air forces in areas such as training, maintenance, logistics, operational support and development of military capabilities.

In turn, Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias classified the agreement as an important moment in the relationship between the two countries and highlighted the Portuguese experience in the operation of the KC-390.

Nikos Dendias also referred to the intention of the two countries to deepen their partnerships in areas such as the construction of aircraft and vessels, giving example to the drone carriers.

The contract between the two states was signed by the Director-General of Armament and National Defense Heritage, António José Baptista, and the Director-General of the Directorate of Investments and Defense Armament of Greece, Major General Ioannis Bouras, in the presence of the two ministers and the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, General Sérgio Pereira.

The contract includes, in addition to the three aircraft, mission equipment, support for entry into service and subsequent assistance to the Greek Air Force.

Portugal will be responsible for supervising the production, monitoring the processes of acceptance and delivery of aircraft, operational transition and initial training of Greek crews and mechanics, which will take place at Beja Air Base.