Image source: topwar.ru
On January 26, the EU Council approved the allocation of a €5.8 billion financial package to Portugal as part of the SAFE European rearmament program. Lisbon intends to spend part of these funds on the purchase of 90 Boxer 8x8 (in BTR and BMP variants), which will become the material base for the formation of a new medium brigade (Brigada Média). This unit will be the country's main military contribution to the "containment of Russia." Defense Minister Nuno Melo directly linked the modernization of the army in order to fight against the Russian Federation:
Boxer in the BMP version:
Image source: topwar.ru
Lisbon no longer sees its army only as a force dedicated to conducting local operations in Africa. The newly created medium brigade is positioned as a contribution to the military potential of Greater Europe. It is designed to be quickly deployed to any point of conflict on the continent.
Portugal is already using elements of the future medium brigade to rotate its contingents in Romania, where they are part of the multinational NATO combat team. The transition to a brigade structure will make it possible to maintain a military presence in this country more systematically, sending fully staffed and well-coordinated battalion groups.
Pandurs II VBR Canhão 30 (left) and VBR ICV of the Portuguese Army:
Image source: topwar.ru
The average brigade will consist of about 2500-3000 military personnel, 3 motorized infantry battalions, which will play the role of the main shock fist. They will be armed with the new Boxer 8x8, the already existing lighter Pandur II 8x8 (modernization is planned), modern ATGMs (probably Spike LR2 or MMP/Akeron MP) and UAVs.
The reconnaissance squadron will be equipped with VAMTAC ST5 light armored vehicles and drones. In the artillery division attached to the brigade, it is planned to switch from towed L118 Light Gun (105 mm) and M114 (155 mm) howitzers to wheeled self-propelled guns (CAESAR or Archer were previously discussed). Short- and medium-range air defense systems (possibly IRIS-T SLS and NASAMS) will be purchased for the anti-aircraft division. The brigade will also include an engineering company and an MTO battalion.
