The ship D. Francisco de Almeida marks the Portuguese participation in Operation Brilliant Shield, which aims to monitor the activities of the Russian Federation's naval and air assets. Two expeditions are planned.
Portuguese ship on NATO mission with 165 military personnel
Wednesday, 8 April 2026RSS
Context & Explainers
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (Organização do Tratado do Atlântico Norte or OTAN) is a 32-member alliance facing pressure to intervene in the Strait of Hormuz to secure maritime routes. Disagreement among members regarding this military involvement has led to warnings about the organization's future stability. Portugal has been a member since NATO's founding in 1949 and hosts a major Joint Force Command in Oeiras.
