Ukraine and Portugal announced a joint partnership to produce sea drones, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Dec. 20 during Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro first official visit to Ukraine. The initiative aims to expand Ukraine’s naval defense capabilities and strengthen European defense-industrial cooperation.
Why It Matters
Sea drones, or unmanned surface vehicles (USVs), have become a key element in Ukraine’s defense operations. Co-production with a NATO ally could increase long-term output while deepening European maritime security collaboration. The partnership also signals continued support from Portugal for Ukrainian reconstruction efforts and broader financial guarantees totaling €90 billion over coming years.
What To Know
Ukraine and Portugal formalized the partnership during Montenegro’s first official visit to Kyiv on Dec. 20. Zelensky described the initiative as “one of the most promising areas of our defence efforts,” emphasizing that it must produce practical outcomes.
Alexander Kamyshin, an advisor to Zelensky on strategic affairs, said the deal would enhance European maritime security, noting on that “We proved that our USVs work perfectly against Russian warships and submarines. Now they will help Portugal defend Europe from the sea.”
The visit included honoring fallen Ukrainian soldiers and discussions of Russia’s ongoing war aims. Zelensky warned against settlements focused solely on land concessions, stating that Russia’s objectives extend beyond Ukraine’s territory.
Portugal has supported Ukraine through the bilateral 10-year security agreement signed in May 2024, contributing to NATO’s Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL), which funds U.S.-made weapons for Ukraine. Portugal has also helped rebuild education infrastructure in Chernihiv and Cherkasy.
Caveat: The announcement describes the partnership and intended production of sea drones but does not provide specific production timelines, volume targets, or technical specifications.
What People Are Saying
- Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine, said: “Putin started this war and is dragging it out not only for our Donbas, but to remove people from making decisions about the fate of their countries. Russia will never be satisfied with one or another piece of territory if someone simply gifts it.”
- [Alexander Kamyshin, Advisor to President Zelensky], wrote: “We proved that our USVs work perfectly against Russian warships and submarines. Now they will help Portugal defend Europe from the sea.”
- Luis Montenegro, Prime Minister of Portugal, discussed the importance of deepening defense collaboration but did not provide additional comment on operational details. [source not available]
What Happens Next
Ukraine and Portugal will move forward with co-production of sea drones, with oversight by respective defense authorities. Progress on production, deployment, and integration with NATO maritime security operations is expected to be reported through official channels. Upcoming meetings and inspections related to the partnership will likely be scheduled in 2026.
