Can Portugal solve NATO’s uncrewed systems development challenge?
A Greyshark AUV (right) swims with dolphins in Portuguese waters during a recent REPMUS. (Photo: NATO)
NATO has spent more than a decade building one of the world’s most sophisticated maritime uncrewed experimentation ecosystems, but still lacks a way to translate this testing into alliance-wide operational capability. Portugal now believes it has the answer.
During the past 15 years, Robotic Experimentation and Prototyping with Maritime Unmanned Systems (REPMUS) and Dynamic Messenger exercises have progressively positioned Portugal as NATO’s primary hub for maritime uncrewed systems (MUS) experimentation.
Its initial scope was modest, covering annual R&D and T&E demonstrations at Tróia, exploiting a geography that offers sheltered coastal waters for early-stage systems on the one hand and open Atlantic conditions for more advanced testing on the other.
Since then, the exercise and its ambitions have expanded significantly. Participation grew between 2018 and 2023 from five countries to more than 25. REPMUS has also progressively shifted from technology
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Country-focused updates
-
![Eurosatory 2026: Locally produced loitering munition destined for UAE Navy, says MBDA]()
Eurosatory 2026: Locally produced loitering munition destined for UAE Navy, says MBDA
The contract signed between MBDA and Fly-R will see diamond-shaped loitering munitions developed and prepared in the UAE. How does this move fit into wider market trends in the region?
-
![Eurosatory 2026: MBDA and Thales look to civilian industry for loitering munition scale-up]()
Eurosatory 2026: MBDA and Thales look to civilian industry for loitering munition scale-up
Thales and MBDA have taken steps to ensure the mass production of their respective loitering munition offerings at Eurosatoy, teaming with civilian manufacturers. These moves come amid France’s push towards sovereign drone production and continued market expansion.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: IDV expands with new Viking and CL2X UGV]()
Eurosatory 2026: IDV expands with new Viking and CL2X UGV
At Eurosatory 2026, uncrewed ground vehicles (UGVs) are front and centre of IDV’s display, with a new variant of the Viking and the new CL2X on show.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: L3Harris prepares ground for future Polish AEW&C replacement]()
Eurosatory 2026: L3Harris prepares ground for future Polish AEW&C replacement
L3Harris is positioning its AERIS X aircraft and a planned Polish industrial partnership as it anticipates a competition to replace Poland’s Saab 340 fleet.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: France presses ahead with A400M ISR fleet upgrades]()
Eurosatory 2026: France presses ahead with A400M ISR fleet upgrades
Airbus Defence and Space and OCCAR (Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation) signed a contract at Eurosatory to develop new capabilities for the French Air Force’s A400M aircraft.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: LVRM reveals latest armoured vehicles to support Italian Army modernisation]()
Eurosatory 2026: LVRM reveals latest armoured vehicles to support Italian Army modernisation
The new platforms being shown by Leonardo Rheinmetall Military Vehicles offer reduced crew needs and upgraded firepower options to meet Italy's future heavy land forces requirements.
