Portugal Strengthens Air Defence with Thales ForceShield VSHORAD System

Portugal is bolstering its air defence capabilities through a strategic acquisition of Thales’ ForceShield Very Short-Range Air Defence (VSHORAD) system. This deal, facilitated by the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA), marks a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to modernise its military under the framework of its Military Programming Law (LPM). The agreement not only underscores Portugal’s commitment to safeguarding its airspace but also positions it at the forefront of advanced air defence technology within the European Union.

A Comprehensive Defence Solution

The ForceShield system is designed to provide robust protection against a diverse array of airborne threats, including drones, helicopters, and cruise missiles. Central to the system’s effectiveness is its integration of cutting-edge technologies:

• Ground Master 200 Radar: This sophisticated air surveillance radar delivers advanced tracking capabilities, ensuring early detection of threats. Its high sensitivity and broad coverage make it an ideal tool for monitoring modern aerial environments.

• ControlView Command-and-Control Centre: Acting as the brain of the system, ControlView efficiently allocates targets to firing units, streamlining the decision-making process in high-stakes scenarios.

• RapidRanger Vehicles: These mobile units are equipped with StarStreak and Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMM), offering a swift and precise response to emerging threats.

Together, these components form a cohesive system capable of detecting, coordinating, and neutralising threats with exceptional efficiency.

A Landmark Acquisition for Thales

This contract is particularly noteworthy as it represents the first time Thales has supplied the ForceShield system to a European Union member state. The deal reflects the growing trust in Thales’ air defence solutions, not only within NATO but across the globe. Raphael Desi, Vice-President of Integrated Airspace Protection Systems at Thales, hailed the agreement as a testament to the company’s reputation for reliability and innovation.

“This contract demonstrates the trust NATO countries and others place in Thales to safeguard their airspace sovereignty,” said Desi.

Enhancing Portugal’s Defence Landscape

Thales’ relationship with Portugal is long-standing, spanning over 36 years. The company employs more than 400 people in the country and has been a key player in areas such as naval engineering, air traffic management, and cybersecurity. This latest collaboration further solidifies Thales’ role in Portugal’s defence sector, contributing to both national security and technological advancement.

The ForceShield acquisition aligns with Portugal’s broader goal of modernising its armed forces to meet contemporary challenges. By integrating this advanced air defence system, the Portuguese Army is better equipped to protect critical assets, respond to emerging threats, and maintain operational readiness in an increasingly complex security environment.

This move also highlights the importance of NATO collaboration in enhancing the collective defence capabilities of its member states. As airborne threats become more sophisticated, investments like Portugal’s in the ForceShield system set a benchmark for others in the region.

With delivery timelines and operational deployment anticipated in the near future, the ForceShield system is poised to become a cornerstone of Portugal’s air defence strategy.