This contract marks the first time Thales has supplied ForceShield to a European Union nation. The acquisition is part of Portugal’s Military Programming Law (LPM), a strategic framework aimed at modernising the country’s military equipment.
The ForceShield system includes a Ground Master 200 air surveillance radar, portable weapon allocation terminals, and the ControlView air defence command-and-control centre. In addition, the package will feature RapidRanger vehicles equipped with StarStreak and Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMM).
Thales describes ForceShield as a comprehensive solution for detecting, coordinating, and neutralising threats such as drones, helicopters, and cruise missiles. The Ground Master 200 radar provides advanced tracking capabilities, while the ControlView system allocates targets to firing units. The RapidRanger, a vehicle-mounted component, offers quick response to threats with its high-velocity missile systems.
Raphael Desi, Vice-President of Integrated Airspace Protection Systems at Thales, said the contract demonstrates growing confidence in the company’s air defence solutions. “This first contract is a recognition of the trust in our air defence systems by NATO countries and all over the world to support nations safeguarding their airspace sovereignty,” he stated.
Thales has had a presence in Portugal for over 36 years and employs more than 400 people in the country. Its operations focus on naval engineering, air traffic management solutions, and cybersecurity, contributing to Portugal’s defence and technological development.
