At a press conference following the signing, Portuguese Defence Minister Nuno Melo highlighted concrete projects involving companies and armed forces from both countries, describing Germany as “a fundamental strategic partner” and “a longstanding ally” of Portugal.

“This is not just a courtesy visit; this is a working visit,” Nuno Melo stressed, citing the Portuguese Army's acquisition of 72 Boxer armoured vehicles as an example, in an investment exceeding €1 billion.

The deal also provides for the production and maintenance of the vehicles in Portugal, which, according to the Minister, demonstrates “a strategic partnership that benefits both sides”.

In the space sector, Nuno Melo referred to the project to establish a satellite launch facility on the island of Santa Maria, in the Azores, which he described as a European alternative. The minister said discussions were underway between the Portuguese Air Force and German companies regarding the initiative.

At the same press conference, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius identified space as one of the areas with the greatest potential for deepening cooperation between the two countries.

“We will invest millions in satellite communications,” he said, adding that the armaments sector also has “many links with Portugal”.

Pilot Training

Nuno Melo also highlighted discussions on F-35 pilot training in Portugal, as part of a partnership involving Lufthansa Technik, and cooperation in the drone sector. In this area, he referred to investment by a Portuguese company in Munich and the use in Ukraine of Portuguese drones tested in combat conditions.

The Minister also mentioned industrial ties surrounding Portuguese submarines, built in Germany, and contacts between companies from both countries in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, communications systems and the aerospace sector.

Bilateral cooperation comes at a time when Portugal is reviewing its Military Programming Law, Nuno Melo stressed, adding that the country will have to strengthen its capabilities in several areas.

Investing in NATO

The Minister also defended strengthening NATO's European defence pillar, arguing that Europe must be able to provide more robust responses in the current geopolitical context. Portugal reached 2% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in defence investment for the first time in 2025, he recalled, stressing that the commitment to this target dates back to 2014.

Regarding Ukraine, Nuno Melo reaffirmed Portugal's commitment to military training, equipment deliveries and financial contributions, including an investment of €50 million through the PEARL programme.

“Every cent we give Ukraine in materials, information and equipment is not expenditure; it is investment,” he said, arguing that support for Kyiv helps protect democracy, freedom and the European way of life.

Strengthening Coordination

The declaration signed by the two ministers provides for stronger coordination in military and non-military activities, particularly in the development and production of armaments, research, innovation and equipment procurement, including through the use of infrastructure in both countries.

The document also covers cooperation in training, joint exercises and operations, the sharing of strategic information and the identification of threats across maritime, land, air, space and cyber domains. Portugal and Germany also intend to cooperate in protecting international maritime routes and contributing to the sustainability and capabilities of Ukrainian forces.

Both countries condemn Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, describing it as a serious violation of international law and the United Nations Charter, and reaffirm NATO's role as the cornerstone of collective deterrence and defence and a fundamental pillar of European and transatlantic security.

Boris Pistorius highlighted the relationship of trust between the two countries, which he said had existed “for many years”.

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