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Quality, quantity and interoperability are its focal points for the new millennium.
The Portuguese navy has embarked on a modernization program that seeks to incorporate all of the needs of modern network-centric warfare while addressing new mission requirements in the global war on terrorism. The navy must juggle responsibilities ranging from coastal patrol and littoral interdiction to support to NATO operations in the alliance's all-important southern region. At the heart of these preparations for the missions of the 21st century are new communications and information systems linking what largely will be a new fleet of ships.
A maritime nation, Portugal has a navy with a strong tradition and culture of service, states Adm. Francisco Vidai Abreu, PON, chief of naval staff. The navy serves both in traditional seaborne military roles and as a coast guard. The admiral explains that the navy is built around a specific set of capabilities defined in a 2003 Defense Strategic Concept. When this concept is attained fully, the Portuguese navy will be both highly capable and balanced, he says.
A key part of that naval modernization plan involves "significant leverage" to Portugal's national shipbuilding and communications industries, the admiral notes. He cites selected modernization and applied research and development as keys to the Portuguese navy's ability to conduct effective joint and combined operations. Despite budget challenges, Portugal views investment in these areas as very important for guaranteeing interoperability in both national and multinational operations.
As part of this effort, the navy is conducting an extensive program of fleet regeneration that is driven by the need to support both its military and coast guard role requirements, the admiral explains. More than 80 percent of the Portuguese navy's aging ships will be replaced, and the navy will acquire new vessels, such as a landing platform dock (LPD) ship, that will bring an added element to existing capabilities. Along with this modernization, the marines and diver units also are being re-equipped. This will significantly increase their operational standards and military potential.
These improvement programs reflect the objective of achieving an expeditionary capability, the admiral explains. It will be anchored on the LPD and its escorts and support ships. These include three existing helicopter-carrying guided-missile frigates (FFGHs), one auxiliary oiler replenishment vessel...