This is a list of equipment in service with the Portuguese Army.
Name | Origin | Type | Number | Image | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
SCS – Soldier Combat System | Portugal | Bulletproof vest, combat helmet, uniform, gloves | +12.000 | In 2019, the new uniform began to be distributed gradually in some units, which includes a new standard, ballistic helmets, protective glasses, maxillofacial protection, ballistic vests, Kevlar elbow pads, protective gloves, watches and physiological monitors on the wrist. [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] Since 2024, this new uniform has been widely used by all army units. | |
MultiCam | Norway United Kingdom United States | Bulletproof vest, combat helmet, uniform | +1.000 | Used essentially by special troops of the Portuguese Army (Special Operations Troops Centre, Commandos and Paratroopers) and some other military units during some international missions. This pattern is generally used with Ops-Core helmets and NFM Group THOR or Warrior Assault bulletproof vests. [6] [7] [8] | |
PASGT - Personnel Armor System for Ground Troops | United States | Combat helmet, uniform | +30.000 | Uniform introduced in the 90s in the Portuguese Army, consisting of ballistic helmets, vests and uniforms in camouflage DPM - Disruptive Pattern Material. It is currently in the process of being replaced by the new uniform known as SCS - Soldier Combat System. |
Weapon | Image | Origin | Number | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Anti-aircraft artillery | ||||
Thales Rapid Ranger | France | 1 battery (3x4 launchers) on order | The Army signed a contract in October 2024 for the acquisition of new RapidRanger anti-aircraft systems mounted on three URO VAMTAC ST5 armored vehicles, as well as one ground Master 200 3D radar, starstreak and LMM missiles and two weapons terminals. Each launcher is equipped with 4 missile launchers. [29] [30] | |
FIM-92 Stinger | United States | 40 | 40 units operated by Anti-aircraft Artillery Regiment No. 1, Portuguese Paratroopers and Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battery since 1994. In 2021 Portuguese Army acquired new missiles and thermal sights. [31] [28] | |
Rheinmetall Mk 20 Rh-202 | Germany | 36 | 36 in service since 1981. [32] [20] Some could be used for coastal defence in Azores and Madeira islands. [33] |
Weapon | Image | Origin | Number | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Field artillery | ||||
Ordnance QF 25-pounder | United Kingdom | 12 (ceremonial role) | Portuguese Army received a total of 132 units (108 Mk. I and 24 Mk. III). In 1976 was relegated to ceremonial role, being operetad by the Anti-aircraft Artillery Regiment No. 1, 5th Artillery Regiment, Garrison Regiment No. 2 and Garrison Regiment No. 3. [34] [35] [36] [37] | |
L119 LG | United Kingdom | 21 | 21 in service. Operated by the 4th Artillery Regiment of the Portuguese Army Rapid Reaction Brigade. [38] [39] | |
M101A1/A1L | United States | 45 | The Portuguese Army received a total of 54 M101A1 towed howitzers. Despite not being in active service, the Army keeps them stored in reserve situation. [38] [40] 9 units sent to Ukraine in 2024 as military aid. [41] [20] | |
M114A1 | United States | 40 | 40 units received in 1983. 18 in service with the 5th Artillery Regiment of the Intervention Brigade and the rest stored. [38] [42] Oct 2024 Portugal confirmed replacement of M114 with an initial order of SPW 155mm CAESAR Mk2 6x6 12 units (2 batteries) growing to total of 36 units. | |
Self-propelled howitzer | ||||
M109A5 | United States | 18 | 18 M109A5 operated by Mechanized Brigade. [38] | |
M109A2 | United States | 6 | The Portuguese Army currently has 6 M109A2 stored at the military base of Santa Margarida. These M109A2 are part of the war reserves of the Portuguese Army and can be prepared to enter the active service. [38] |
Name | Image | Origin | Type | Number | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Main battle tanks | |||||
Leopard 2A6 | Germany | Main battle tank | 34 | Initially 37 units acquired in 2008, together with 1 unit for training and 1 unit in version 2 A4 for parts supply. [43] [38] In March 2023, 3 units were transferred to Ukraine in order to support the defensive effort against the Russian invasion. [44] | |
Armoured tracked vehicles | |||||
M113A1/A2 | United States | Armoured personnel carrier | 210 | 255 M113A1/A2 APC received (208 in service). [45] 45 units sent to Ukraine as military aid. [46]
| |
M901A1 ITV | United States | Missile armed tank destroyer | 4 | Initially 25 units would be received from the United States, but hydraulic problems were found in 21 units, so only 4 units were received in 1993 with 900 missiles. [38] [28] | |
M113A2 TOW 2 | United States | Missile armed tank destroyer | 17 | M113A2 equipped with anti-tank guided missile TOW 2. [38] | |
M577A2 | United States | Command vehicle and ambulance | 49 | 68 M577A2 received (43 in service as command vehicles and 3 in service as ambulance vehicles). [38] [28] 2 units sent to Ukraine as military aid. [47]
| |
M106/A2 mortar carrier | United States | Mortar carrier | 18 | 3 M106 and 15 M106A2, equipped with 107mm M30 mortar. [21] [38] | |
M125A1/A2 mortar carrier | United States | Mortar carrier | 15 | 3 M125A1 and 12 M125A2, equipped with 81mm M29 mortar. [21] [38] | |
Armoured wheeled vehicles | |||||
Pandur II | Austria Portugal | Armoured personnel carrier | 188 | Several versions made under license in Portugal by Fabrequipa. [38] [48]
| |
Commando V-150 | United States | Reconnaissance vehicle | 15 | Acquired 15 units with a 90 mm cannon and M60E/D machine guns in 1989. All units are in service with the Group of Recognition, based on Cavalry Regiment nº6. [48] | |
Armoured infantry mobility vehicles | |||||
URO VAMTAC ST5 | Spain | Armored car | 139 + 3 on order | Purchased 139 ST5 variant vehicles in October 2018. [49]
| |
HMMWV M1025A2/M1151A2 | United States | Armored car | 41 | Army designation: Auto Blindado Reconhecimento 1,25 ton. [50]
| |
Panhard M11 | France | Scout car | 38 | The Portuguese Army currently fields 38 Arquus Ultrav M11D/VBL 4x4 protected scout vehicles. [51] The fleet includes [50] [52] | |
Toyota Land Cruiser J200 | Japan | Military light utility vehicle | 3 | Three vehicles acquired in 2012 to replace the armored Chevrolet Suburban used by the Portuguese Army. [53] | |
Armoured Logistics Vehicles | |||||
M548/A1 | United States | Tracked Cargo Carrier | 24 | Used by the Mechanized Brigade to carry ammunition to the M109A5 howitzer. [54] [51] | |
Rheinmetall MAN TGS 18.440 BB CH | Germany | 4x4 Armored Communications Vehicle | 15 | 15 Armored MAN Trucks equipped with military communications shelter. These vehicles were acquired in 2023 and belong to a batch of 47 4x4 tatical trucks, of which 15 are armored. [55] | |
Rheinmetall MAN TGS 26.440 BB CH | Germany | 6x6 Armoured personnel carrier | 13 | 13 Armored MAN Trucks used for troops and cargo transport. These vehicles were acquired in 2023 and belong to a batch of 61 6x6 tatical trucks, of which 13 are armored. [55] | |
Armoured recovery vehicles | |||||
M88A1/A2G Recovery Vehicle | United States | Armoured recovery vehicle | 8 | 6 M88A1 and 2 M88A2G are in service since 1978. [38] | |
M578 light recovery vehicle | United States | Armoured recovery vehicle | 29 | 21 in service since 1995 and 8 in service since 1997. [38] | |
Armoured Engineering vehicles | |||||
M60 AVLB m/1981 | United States | Armoured vehicle-launched bridge | 4 | 4 are in service since 1981, operated by Engineer Company, (Companhia de Engenharia Combate Pesado or CEngCombPes). [38] | |
Armoured Training vehicles | |||||
Leopard 2 Driver Training Tank | Germany | Military training vehicle | 1 | One unit in service since 2008, used for training Leopard 2 A6 new drivers. [56] [38] |
Name | Image | Origin | Type | Number | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Special vehicles | |||||
Yamaha TDM 900 | Japan | Motorcycle | 12 | Used by Army Police. [57] [51] | |
Yamaha Ténéré 700 Rally Pack | Japan | Off-road motorcycle | Unknown | Some units received in 2023 by the Army Police. [58] | |
TORO Q-150D | Spain | 4x4 | 10 | The fleet and associated equipment and services were purchased through the NSPA in 2020 for the Parachute Regiment (RParas). [50] | |
Polaris Sportsman MV850 | United States | 4x4 | 8 | The Special Operations Troops Centre (CTOE) of the Portuguese Army's Rapid Reaction Brigade receive eight Sportsman MV850 and two trailers. [50] | |
Polaris MRZR D2/D4 | United States | 4x4 | 14 | The Special Operations Troops Centre (CTOE) of the Portuguese Army's Rapid Reaction Brigade receive two MRZR D2, two MRZR 2 and four MRZR D4. [50] In 2024, 6 MRZR 2 were received by the reconnaissance platoons of the Azores and Madeira Garrison Regiments. [59] | |
Polaris Ranger Crew XP 1000 | United States | 4x4 | 2 | Used by Nuclear, Biological, Chemical and Radiological (NBQR) Defense Company of the Portuguese Army's Engineering Regiment nº1. [60] | |
Tactical light vehicles | |||||
HMMWV M1097A2 | United States | 4X4 Military light utility vehicle | 6 | Six units received in 2003 to tow AN/TPQ-36 Firefinder radars. [61] [51] | |
Ranger Special Operations Vehicle | United Kingdom | 4x4 Military light utility vehicle | 13 | Used by Special Operations Troops Centre (8 units) and by Commandos (5 units), it is equipped with a shield at the bottom for protection against improvised explosives, and equipped with a M2 Browning, three Heckler & Koch MG4, one Carl Gustaf and one 60mm Mortar. [62] | |
Land Rover Defender 90/110 TDI | United Kingdom | 4x4 | +85 | Army designation: Auto TP 4 Land Rover Defender 90 TD SW E 4x4 mF/08. [51] [63] | |
Mitsubishi L200 | Japan | 4x4 | 80 | Army designation: Auto TG 4 Mitsubishi 4x4 L200 mF/08. [51] | |
Toyota Hilux GUN125L-DNFSHW 2.4 D4 | Japan | 4x4 | 23 | The Portuguese Army received a 23 fleet of Toyota Hilux 4x4 utility vehicles in 2019. The type is fitted out with a rugged notebook, GPS unit, 2-ways portable radio and provisions for PRC525 multi-band combat radio system. [64] [65] | |
Toyota Land Cruiser HZJ73 | Portugal | 4x4 | +300 | Army designation: Auto TG 1/4 ton 5 4x4 mF/01. [63] Assembly in the Portuguese Toyota factory Salvador Caetano. [66] | |
Tactical trucks | |||||
Iveco 40.10 WM | Italy | 4x4 1,5 ton truck | +200 | Army designation: Auto TG 1,5 ton 11 4x4 mA/89-90. [63] | |
Iveco 90.17 WM | Italy | 4x4 4 ton truck | +70 | Army designation: Auto TG 4 ton 19 4x4 mA/91. [63] | |
Rheinmetall MAN TGS 18.440 BB CH | Germany | 4x4 | 32 | Tactical trucks equipped with military communications shelters. These vehicles belong to a batch of 47 MAN Trucks purchased in 2023, of which 15 are armored. [55] | |
Rheinmetall MAN TGS 26.440 BB CH | Germany | 6x6 | 48 | Tactical trucks used for troops and cargo transportation. These vehicles belong to a batch of 61 MAN Trucks purchased in 2023, of which 13 are armored. Being received from 2024 to 2026. [55]
| |
MAN 10.224 | Germany | 4x4 4 ton truck | +70 | Army designation: Auto TG 4 ton 20 4x4 m/1998 [67] [51] | |
Unimog 1300L/1750L | Germany | 4x4 5 ton truck | +250 | Army designation: Auto TG ton 5 4x4 1750L. Also the 1300L version is in use. [63] | |
Mercedes-Benz 1017 | Germany | 4x4 5 ton truck | +35 | Army designation: Auto TG 5 ton 23 4x4 mF/89. Also the 1213, 1217 and 1222 are in use. [51] | |
DAF YA 4440 D | Netherlands Portugal | 4x4 5 ton truck | 300 | Army designation: Auto TG 5 ton 19 4x4 mA/84. [51] Partial assembly in Portugal. [68] | |
AM General M809 series | United States | 6x6 5 ton truck | +72 | Also the M49A2C (+28), M816 Wrecker (+8 units) and M818 (36 units) are in service. [51] [69] | |
Rheinmetall MAN 4520 6x6 FSB | Germany | 6x6 7 ton truck | 16 | Used to transport EWK Faltschwimmbrücken bridge components. [70] | |
Renault Kerax | France | 4x4 8 ton truck | 4 | Used by the Anti-Aircraft Artillery Regiment No. 1 and Maintenance Regiment to transport shelters. [71] [72] |
Name | Image | Origin | Type | Number | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Unmanned ground vehicles | |||||
Telerob tEODor | Germany | Bomb disposal robot Unmanned ground vehicle | Unknown | Used for inspection and Counter-IED missions. [73] | |
Qinetiq Dragon Runner 20 | United Kingdom | Bomb disposal robot Unmanned ground vehicle | Unknown | It's used to provide safety and support to small dismounted operations for reconnaissance, security, inspection and C-IED missions.[ citation needed ] | |
Nexter NERVA XX | France | Bomb disposal robot Unmanned ground vehicle | Unknown | Used for inspection and C-IED missions. Equipped with an Ptz camera. [74] | |
Unmanned aerial vehicles | |||||
Griffon Aerospace MQM-170 Outlaw | United States | Target drone Unmanned aerial vehicle | Unknown | Target drone, operated by Anti-aircraft Artillery Regiment No. 1. [75] | |
AeroVironment RQ-11 Raven | United States | Fixed-wing UAV Unmanned aerial vehicle | 36 | 36 aircraft or twelve systems (together with associated services and equipment) were purchased through the NSPA on 20 August 2018. [76] | |
Parrot ANAFI | France | Mini Unmanned aerial vehicle | 2 | Used by Special Operations Troops Centre. [77] | |
Beyond Vision HEIFU | Portugal | Mini Unmanned aerial vehicle | 4 | Seen with the Portuguese Army since 2024. [78] | |
MicroUAV | Portugal | Micro Unmanned aerial vehicle | Unknown | Seen in use with the Garrison Regiment Nº3. [79] | |
SenseFly eBee X | Switzerland | Mapping drone Unmanned aerial vehicle | 1 | Used by the Army Geospatial Information Center for mapping missions. [80] | |
Yuneec International Typhoon H | China | Commercial mini Unmanned aerial vehicle | Unknown | Seen at an equipment demonstration during Army Day in 2024. | |
DJI Matrice 300 RTK | China | Commercial mini Unmanned aerial vehicle | Unknown | Used by Intervention Brigade, Azores Military Command and Madeira Military Operational Command for surveillance. [81] [82] [83] Madeira Military Operational Command also plans to acquire a long-range drone. Number of units purchased unknown. [84] | |
DJI Mavic PRO | China | Commercial mini Unmanned aerial vehicle | +26 | Seen in use by Portuguese Paratroopers and Madeira Military Operational Command. Number of units purchased unknown. [85] [86] | |
DJI Phantom | China | Commercial mini Unmanned aerial vehicle | Unknown | The drone appeared in an advertisement launched by the Army about the 2024 Army Day celebrations. [87] | |
Autel EVO II Dual 640T Enterprise V2 | China | Commercial mini Unmanned aerial vehicle | Unknown | Seen in use for the first time in 2023. [88] | |
Autel DragonFish | China | Fixed-wing UAV Unmanned aerial vehicle | Unknown | Seen in use with the Intervention Brigade. [81] | |
MyFlyDream Nimbus Tricopter 1800 | China | Fixed-wing UAV Unmanned aerial vehicle | 12 | 12 Unmanned aerial vehicles with VTOL capacity received in 2021 by the Army and used by Anti-aircraft Artillery Regiment No. 1 and 5th Artillery Regiment. [89] [90] |
Name | Photo | Origin | Type | Number | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mercury 500 | United States | Reconnaissance and | Unknown | Used by some army units, such as:
| |
Schottel M Boot Gross | Germany | Maritime engineering boat | Unknown | Used by the Bridge Company of the Engineering Regiment Nº1 to move GDELS Improved Ribbon Bridge sections. [95] |
Hand grenades, explosives and rounds
Military gear
Military communications
Radars
Military engineering
Miscellaneous equipment
As Portugal is one of the founding members of NATO, all of its military equipment is purchased from companies from allied countries, such as countries of NATO, European Union and Israel. All of this equipment should be in the purchase process under the current Portuguese Military Programming law: [127] [128]
Name | Origin | Type | Number | Photo | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
RGW 90 | Germany | Recoilless rifle | Unknown | In 2022, the Ministry of National Defense approved a budget of up to 10 million euros for the acquisition of anti-tank weapons systems to equip the various units of the Portuguese Army. The RGW 90 system was recently tested by the Portuguese Army at the Alcochete shooting range, with military entities showing interest in the system. [129] [128] [130] [131] | |
Akeron MP | France | Anti-tank guided missile | Unknown | In 2022, the Ministry of National Defense approved a budget of up to 10 million euros for the acquisition of anti-tank weapons systems to equip the various units of the Portuguese Army. The French MMP system was considered one of the favorites by the Portuguese Army. [129] [128] [130] [132] [133] | |
Air defence | NATO | Short range air defense system | Unknown | After signing the contract for the purchase of RapidRanger anti-aircraft defense systems, the Army's Chief of Staff stated that it would be necessary to acquire additional short-range anti-aircraft defense systems in the coming years. [134] | |
Air defence | NATO | Medium range air defence | Unknown | The Chief of Staff of the Army, stated in an interview in October 2024, that the army plans to incorporate medium-range defenses into the Military Programming Law. [134] | |
Heavy mortar | NATO | 120mm mortar | Unknown | The Military Programming Law that regulates investments in the Portuguese Armed Forces provides for the acquisition of 120 mm heavy mortars. [129] [135] [133] | |
URO VAMTAC ST5 BN3 120mm Mortar Carrier | NATO | 4x4 Mortar carrier | 12 | The Portuguese Army intends to receive 120mm mortar systems equipped on URO VAMTAC 4x4 vehicles. [127] [136] [133] | |
CAESAR | France | 155 mm caliber self-propelled artillery | 36 | The new Military Programming Law signed in 2023 provides funds for the acquisition of a 155mm 8x8 self-propelled artillery system to replace the current M114A1 155 mm howitzers, [129] [137] [138] [133] and, in October 2024, a framework arrangement was signed for the acquisition of 36 systems. [139] [140] | |
Armored car | NATO | Light 4x4 armored car | ~ 250 | The Portuguese Army announced in 2020 that it would acquire up to 250 Joint Light Tactical Vehicles through the FMS program. Later, the army canceled this acquisition, exchanging it for the acquisition of vehicles with the same characteristics as its URO VAMTAC ST5 BN3. [129] [127] [141] [142] [133] | |
Armored car | NATO | Light 4x4 armored car for CBRN defense | ~ 6 | The Portuguese Army was authorized by the Ministry of Defense in 2024 to acquire Light Armored Tactical Vehicles (VTLB) NBQR in COLPRO and EOD versions. [143] | |
Infantry fighting vehicle | NATO | Tracked Infantry fighting vehicle | Unknown | The current military programming law contains a budget for replacing the M113 armored personnel carrier with a new infantry fighting vehicle. This project is known as VCI-L (Veículo de Combate de Infantaria de Lagartas). The army's chief of staff, General Eduardo Manuel Braga da Cruz Mendes Ferrão, mentioned in an interview in 2024 the importance of this acquisition. [144] It was mentioned on CNN Portugal that the M2 Bradley would be the most likely vehicle of this type to equip the Army. [145] During 2024 Army Day a Lynx IFV vehicle sent by Rheinmetall was on display, indicating that negotiations for the acquisition of this vehicle may be taking place. [146] | |
Leopard 2 Bergepanzer BPz3 Büffel | Germany | Armoured recovery vehicle | 2 | After receiving the Leopard 2 A6, the Portuguese Army felt the need to acquire support vehicles compatible with this main battle tank, namely armoured recovery vehicles and a armoured vehicle-launched bridge. This vehicles should be acquired in the next years. [129] [127] [147] [133] In 2024, the Ministry of Defense authorized the army to purchase armoured vehicles-launched bridges. [148] | |
Leopard 2 Panzerschnellbrücke 2 | Germany | Armoured vehicle-launched bridge | 2 | ||
Side-by-side | NATO | Ultra light military vehicle | 43 | The army may soon receive 43 light all-terrain vehicles to equip some of its Rapid Reaction Brigade units. In the past, 24 Polaris Inc. military vehicles in various versions were received by the Army. [129] [149] [133] | |
Truck | NATO | Military truck | ~ 8 | The Portuguese Army was authorized by the Ministry of Defense in 2024 to acquire Medium Tactical Vehicles to operate in Army Regiments on the islands of the Azores and Madeira. [150] | |
Truck | NATO | 6x6 tank truck | 1 | The Portuguese Army was authorized by the Ministry of Defense in 2024 to acquire one tank truck for water transport. [150] | |
Military helicopter | NATO | CSAR military helicopter | 3 +1 optional | The Army Light Aviation Unit will operate helicopters for the first time, not depending on the Portuguese Air Force for various missions. These evacuation and Combat search and rescue helicopters will be acquired in the coming years and will allow support for troops on the ground. [151] [152] In October 2024, an order was signed by the Ministry of Defense that allows the Army to move forward with the purchase of helicopters, with the first expected to be delivered in 2026. [153] | |
UAVision ELANUS | Portugal | Loitering munition | Unknown | One of the company's employees, in an interview about the presentation of the suicide drone, reported that the Portuguese military authorities had shown interest in the equipment. [154] | |
Unmanned aerial vehicle | Portugal | Armed drone | Unknown | The Portuguese Armed Forces have been working and testing drones with the capacity to drop 2 to 8 grenades since 2022. It is expected that these drones will join the Army from 2024. [155] [156] | |
Unmanned aerial vehicle | NATO | Miniature UAV | 40 | The Army reported in its newspaper that a competition is underway with NATO Support and Procurement Agency to receive 40 small drones in 2024. [129] [157] | |
Unmanned aerial vehicle | NATO | Unmanned surveillance and reconnaissance aerial vehicle | Unknown | The Portuguese Army will continue to receive several drones in the coming years, being authorized to spend up to 2.6 million euros by 2025 on the acquisition of more surveillance drones. [129] [128] [130] [133] | |
Anti-drone gun | NATO | Portable Anti-drone gun | Unknown | During the workshop, held in April 2024, by the Instituto Universitário Militar (IUM) on the dissemination of the Military Programming Law (LPM) 2023–2034, it was revealed that the army intends to acquire portable anti-drone systems. [158] | |
Military bridge | NATO | Military bridge | Unknown | The Portuguese Army wants to acquire new bridge systems for its engineering units. [129] [133] | |
Military field hospital | NATO | Role 2B hospital | 1 | The Portuguese Army intends to receive a role 2 type filed hospital by 2026. The project for this acquisition was launched in 2022 through NSPA, and is expected to be received by 2026. [129] [128] [133] | |
Radar | NATO | Ground surveillance radar | 2 | The army launched a tender through nspa for the purchase of 2 ground surveillance radars. [159] |
Pistols
Submachine guns
Assault rifles and battle rifles
Sniper rifles
Machine guns
Shotguns
Grenade launchers
Anti-aircraft artillery
Anti-tank weapons
Artillery
Vehicles
The Portuguese Armed Forces are the military of Portugal. They include the General Staff of the Armed Forces, the other unified bodies and the three service branches: Portuguese Navy, Portuguese Army and Portuguese Air Force.
The Brazilian Army is the branch of the Brazilian Armed Forces responsible, externally, for defending the country in eminently terrestrial operations and, internally, for guaranteeing law, order and the constitutional branches, subordinating itself, in the Federal Government's structure, to the Ministry of Defense, alongside the Brazilian Navy and Air Force. The Military Police and Military Firefighters Corps are legally designated as reserve and auxiliary forces to the army. Its operational arm is called Land Force. It is the largest army in South America and the largest branch of the Armed Forces of Brazil.
The Brazilian Marine Corps is the Brazilian Navy's naval infantry component. It relies on the fleet and Naval Aviation and fields its own artillery, amphibious and land armor, special operations forces and other support elements. Its operational components are the Fleet Marine Force, under the Naval Operations Command, in Rio de Janeiro, and Marine Groups and Riverine Operations Battalions, under the Naval Districts in the coast and the Amazon and Platine basins. The FFE, with a core of three infantry battalions, is its seagoing component.
The Portuguese Marine Corps is the special operations capable amphibious force of the Portuguese Navy.
The Brigada de Reacção Rápida is a unit of the Portuguese Army which was known as BAI – Brigada Aerotransportada Independente until 2006. Its different units are highly trained Paratroopers, Commandos and Special Operations Troops capable of responding to threats in any part of continental Portugal or any other Portuguese overseas territory with quick deployment by air, sea or land. This brigade is the most requested by the Portuguese Government to fulfill international assignments due to its experience and multi-role capability.
The Polícia Aérea or PA is the air force ground forces and special forces and military police of the Portuguese Air Force. The Air Police has as its main symbol the blue beret with the emblem of the Air Force.
The MAX 1.2 AC, —previously known as MSS 1.2 AC— is a Brazilian anti-tank guided missile (ATGM). Operated by infantry or vehicles, the system consists of a reloadable launch tube, laser-guided missile and firing unit, as well as a simulator and testing equipment. It was developed out of Oto Melara's “Missile Anti-Carro della Fanteria”, which was rejected by the Italian Army. Brazilian involvement began in 1986 and it has since then been tested and redesigned by the Brazilian Army's research institutes and a series of Brazilian companies.
The Brazilian Army Aviation is the air segment of the Brazilian Army, operating rotary-wing aircraft (helicopters) in conjunction with surface forces such as the 12th Light Infantry Brigade (Airmobile). Originally founded with aircraft in 1919, it ceased to exist in 1941, re-emerging in its current form in 1986. It has mainly transport aircraft in addition to light attack helicopters, but does not use dedicated attack helicopters. Its command (CAvEx) in Taubaté, São Paulo, is linked to the Land Operations Command, in Brasília, and the Southeastern Military Command. CAvEx only has subordinates in the 1st and 2nd battalions, also in Taubaté. The 3rd and 4th are respectively in Campo Grande and Manaus, subordinate to the Western and Amazonian Military Commands, and there is a detachment in Belém, in the Northern Military Command.
The Intervention Brigade or BrigInt is an infantry brigade in service with the Portuguese Army. It was created in 2006 from the Light Intervention Brigade, which was itself the heir of the former Special Forces Brigade.
Fábrica de Braço de Prata, , originally Fábrica de Material de Guerra de Braço de Prata was a small arms, light artillery, ammunition and ordnance factory owned by the Portuguese Government. It also designed and developed its own armament and ammunition in addition to the licensed production of foreign weapons, including a Portuguese version of the Heckler & Koch G3 widely used during the Portuguese Colonial War.
The 12th Light Infantry Brigade (Airmobile) (Portuguese: 12.ª Brigada de Infantaria Leve (Aeromóvel), 12ª Bda Inf L (Amv)) is a large unit of the Brazilian Army based in Caçapava, São Paulo. It is subordinated to the 2nd Army Division. Since 1995 its elements have been transported by Army Aviation helicopters, being able to quickly operate in any part of Brazil's territory.
ANTEX-M is a family of small- and medium-sized experimental unmanned aerial vehicles developed by the Portuguese Air Force in partnership with several universities and institutes. The development program is part of the PITVANT program and is funded by the Portuguese National Defense Ministry until 2015.
The ISTAR Battalion is the Portuguese Army unit responsible for centralizing the intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions.
The Mechanized Brigade or BrigMec is a mechanized infantry brigade in service with the Portuguese Army.
The Aerospace Operations Command is a joint command of the Brazilian Armed Forces in charge of planning, coordinating and conducting the employment of aerospace assets. Although part of the Brazilian Air Force's structure, it includes personnel from the Brazilian Army and Navy. COMAE is the central body in the Brazilian Aerospace Defense System and as such, is directly responsible for the aerospace defense of Brazilian territory and may control Air Force, Army and Navy units.
Júlio Cesar de Arruda is a general in the Brazilian Army. He has served as chief of the army's Department of Engineering and Construction. He was the commander of the Brazilian Army from 30 December 2022 to 21 January 2023.
This list shows the past, present and future strategic re-equipment and modernization programs of the Brazilian Armed Forces that was based on the documents of the National Defense Strategy of 2008, and subsequent versions of the Defense White Paper that outline the major defense programs in Brazil from 2008 until 2040. To see active equipment of the three branches, see the following pages for the Army, Navy and the Air Force.
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