Arms boom in Portugal. In just one year, 60 companies were established

In Portugal, 60 new companies in the defense sector were established between January and November 2025, according to estimates by the country's Ministry of Defense.

Quoting the ministry's statistics, the Lisbon media pointed out that this record number of new companies in the arms sector is the result of the ongoing war in Ukraine and the growing threat to EU countries from Russia.

The media also noted the statement of Defense Minister Nuno Melo, who declared that in the near future Portugal will not only purchase military equipment, but also engage in its production. “Portugal will purchase and at the same time produce satellites, frigates and military vehicles on its territory,” said the head of the Ministry of Defense.

He added that based on the agreement concluded last week with the Brazilian company Embraer, a factory of A-29N Super Tucano attack aircraft will be built in the city of Beja, in eastern Portugal.

There are currently 419 companies operating in the Portuguese defense sector, employing a total of nearly 46,000. people, according to estimates by IdD Portugal Defence, the Portuguese defense agency subordinate to the ministries of defense and finance.

From Lisbon Marcin Zatyka (PAP)

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