The Portuguese defence sector now comprises more than 400 companies, according to IdD Portugal Defence, the state-owned holding company and shareholder of EID.

With increasing funding opportunities available at both national and international levels, the Portuguese Industrial Association (AIP) has launched a new initiative aimed at supporting around 40 companies in preparing and submitting applications. This includes identifying eligible candidates, providing technical assistance, and offering support throughout the application process for European and NATO programmes such as the European Defence Fund, DIANA, and the NATO Innovation Fund (FIN).

The initiative comes at a time of heightened investment in Defence, driven by ongoing global conflicts and reinforced collaboration within NATO and the EU. AIP highlights the importance of defining a clear national strategy for Defence investment while also calling for improved statistical reporting on the industry’s contribution to the Portuguese economy.

The growth of dedicated funding programmes and support initiatives is highly relevant to EID’s ongoing commitment to technological innovation, internation collaboration, and the reinforcement of national defence capabilities.