Arms exports from Portugal increased by 77%. since February 2022, when the Russian invasion of Ukraine began, according to the Central Bank of Portugal.
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The estimates cover the period from 2021 to 2025 and take into account the full scope of Portuguese arms production.
The key products exported by the Portuguese defense industry include protective equipment, armored vehicles, vessels and unmanned aerial vehicles. The sector shows increasing specialization in technologies used in modern conflicts.
Combat drones in Portugal's exports
Unmanned aerial vehicles intended for combat purposes reached 21%. the total value of Portuguese arms exports by the end of 2025, reports the Central Bank of Portugal. This means an increase of 3 percentage points. compared to the previous year. This category has become one of the fastest growing segments of the Portuguese defense industry.
The United States remains the main buyer of Portuguese weapons with 41 percent. share in total sales.
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Poland was also among the recipients, with a share of 2%. export. Other sales markets include Belgium, France, Spain, Ukraine and Germany.
Portugal's defense sector
In December 2025, the Portuguese defense industry consisted of 419 enterprises employing approximately 46,000. people.
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This industry shows stable growth both in terms of the number of companies and human resources potential. The development of the sector reflects the growing demand for military equipment on international markets.
