Portugal selects Italy for three next-gen frigates in major naval fleet upgrade

July 22, 2026, by Fatima Bahtić

Portugal has signed a government-to-government agreement with Italy to acquire three next-generation frigates as part of the European Union’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) investment framework, marking a major step in the modernization of the Portuguese Navy’s surface fleet.

The agreement was signed in Rome on July 20 by Rear Admiral António Mateus, Deputy Director-General for Armaments, in the presence of Portuguese Defense Minister Nuno Melo, Chief of the Navy Admiral Jorge Nobre de Sousa, and Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto.

Under the agreement, Portugal will receive three advanced frigates, together with long-term sustainment support, technology transfer and the necessary conditions to operate and maintain the vessels throughout their service life, expected to exceed 30 years.

The new frigates will strengthen Portugal’s capabilities in ocean surveillance, surface warfare and anti-submarine operations, supporting national missions as well as NATO and other international security commitments.

The acquisition forms part of Portugal’s broader military modernization effort aimed at adapting its armed forces to a changing geopolitical environment and evolving maritime threats. The program is expected to deliver significant industrial benefits, including the involvement of Portuguese defense companies, technology transfer initiatives and the revitalization of the Arsenal do Alfeite shipyard.

The investment represents a key component of Portugal’s allocation under the SAFE framework, which totals €5.8 billion and represents the country’s largest defense re-equipment effort since the establishment of democracy.

The funding covers multiple domains, including naval, land, air, particularly unmanned systems, and space capabilities.

The three frigates are expected to be delivered to the Portuguese Navy between 2029 and 2030.