Reports about the appearance of Russian drones were first revealed by the weekly “Expresso”. According to the publication, the aircraft took off from the decks of Russian military units. Minister Melo confirmed these findings in an interview with the media in Lisbon.
– I do not know the exact number of these drones (…), but we pay attention to everything, we know what is happening, but we do not discuss matters that are confidential in nature – said the minister. In the opinion of the head of the Ministry of Defense, the very fact of targeting the Russian machines proves that the Portuguese Navy and Air Force are properly fulfilling their duties.
Russia's drones on the coast of Portugal. The head of the Ministry of National Defense criticizes journalists
However, the head of the Portuguese Ministry of National Defense criticized the weekly “Expresso” for publishing at the beginning of May information about the presence of Russian drones, which was allegedly handed over to the editorial office by Socialist Party MP Andre Baptista. Melo felt it was inappropriate to disclose these details due to the confidential nature of the matter.
Commentators in Lisbon point out that this is the first time Russian drones have appeared so far south on the European continent. In the background of the case, there is also growing criticism from Washington in recent weeks regarding the insufficient – in the opinion of the Americans – protection of undersea telecommunications cables running off the Portuguese coast.
Increased Russian activity off the coast of Portugal
During the April conference of the Portuguese-American Foundation for Development (FLAD), United States Ambassador in Lisbon John Arrigo asked the office of Prime Minister Luis Montenegro to ensure the security of undersea telecommunications networks. The diplomat also expected increased financial outlays and more efficient supervision of these underwater transmission lines.
The scale of the presence of Russian vessels on the coast of Portugal is systematically growing. Data from the Portuguese army show that in 2025, the navy sent a total of 373 patrol vessels to track ships of the Russian navy and the so-called shadow fleets – ships illegally transporting Russian fuel. Last year, 69 units of the Russian Navy were reported off the Portuguese coast.
The command of the Portuguese armed forces indicates that the war in Ukraine has clearly resulted in an increased frequency of appearances of Russian ships in this area. Previously, several dozen such units were registered annually, but between February 24, 2022 and January 2, 2026, their total number reached 212.
