Government: National security news in Portugal

Latest news and stories about national security in government in Portugal for expats and residents.

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Marco Rubio Visits Lisbon to Reinforce Transatlantic Defense Ties

📍 Praia da Vitória 🏛️ Government 🚇 Infrastructure#us-relations+2 more

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Prime Minister Luís Montenegro and Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel in Lisbon during the final stop of a European diplomatic tour. Rubio praised bilateral cooperation, including the use of Lajes Field (Base Aérea das Lajes) in the Azores, and discussed Portugal's planned purchase of F-35 fighter jets. The visit drew criticism from the Portuguese Communist Party (Partido Comunista Português or PCP), which staged street protests condemning government subservience to Washington.

António Filipe is a long-serving member of parliament for the PCP (Partido Comunista Português) and a specialist in constitutional law, who has served as a vice-president of the Assembly of the Republic. He was the PCP-backed candidate in the 2026 presidential election.

Marco Rubio is the United States Secretary of State under President Donald Trump. In Portuguese bilateral relations, his office oversees diplomatic and defense ties, including NATO security cooperation and strategic operations at Lajes Field (Base Aérea das Lajes) in the Azores.

7 sources →8 Oct

Marco Rubio Visits Lisbon to Reinforce Transatlantic Defense Ties

Luís Neves admits failure in terror threat communication

📍 Lisbon ⚖️ Legal 🏛️ Government#public-safety+2 more

Minister of Internal Administration Luís Neves admitted that a failure occurred regarding the communication of terrorist threats to the Prime Minister's office. The incident relates to the period when Neves led the Judiciary Police (Polícia Judiciária or PJ) during the investigation into the Movimento Armilar Lusitano. He stated that the notification process should have been handled differently.

Luís Neves will take office on Monday as Minister of Internal Administration. He graduated in law and has worked at the Judicial Police since 1995, where he served as coordinator of a national unit and developed a long career in criminal investigation.

The PJ (Polícia Judiciária) is Portugal's national criminal investigation police agency, founded in 1945. Operating under the Ministry of Justice and supervised by the Public Ministry (prosecutors), the PJ is a "higher criminal police body" specializing in serious and complex crimes. Mission: The PJ assists judicial and prosecuting authorities by investigating terrorism, organized crime, homicide, kidnapping, drug trafficking, corruption, cybercrime, financial crime, and money laundering. It conducts forensic examinations, operates Portugal's Interpol and Europol liaison offices, and maintains specialized units including the National Counterterrorism Unit and National Anti-Corruption Unit. Difference from PSP/GNR: While PSP (civilian urban police) and GNR (military rural police) focus on preventive policing, public order, and investigating minor crimes, the PJ exclusively handles serious crime investigation requiring specialized technical and scientific expertise. PSP and GNR report to the Ministry of Internal Affairs; PJ reports to the Ministry of Justice. PJ officers receive higher pay and prestige but face greater operational risk.

3 sources →20 Jun

Rubio said Portugal accepted, Rangel claimed authorisation was not even necessary: seven questions and answers…

📍 Praia da Vitória 🏛️ Government 🇪🇺 Europe#government-policy+1 more

A breakdown of the conflicting statements between Rubio and Rangel regarding the authorisation of flights from the Lajes Air Base in the Azores.

1 source →15 May

Rubio said Portugal accepted, Rangel claimed authorisation was not even necessary: seven questions and answers…

Intelligence service warns of foreign state cyber-espionage campaign

⚖️ Legal 🏛️ Government#public-safety+2 more

The Security Intelligence Service (Serviço de Informações de Segurança or SIS) has issued an alert regarding a foreign state campaign targeting WhatsApp and Signal accounts. The operation uses social engineering and AI-generated content to trick government officials, diplomats, and military personnel into compromising their data. Residents should be cautious of unsolicited messages or unusual requests for account verification codes.

The Security Intelligence Service (Serviço de Informações de Segurança or SIS) is Portugal's internal intelligence agency responsible for protecting the state against espionage, terrorism, and cyber threats. It focuses on gathering and analyzing information and does not have police powers like the authority to make arrests. The agency recently issued a warning about foreign state-sponsored campaigns targeting the private messaging accounts of government and military personnel.

4 sources →11 Mar

Intelligence service warns of foreign state cyber-espionage campaign

Recent articles

PSP was not warned of the terrorist threat and therefore did not adjust security for Montenegro and Marcelo

⚖️ Legal 🏛️ Government 🏖️ Daily Life#national-security+1 more

The Judicial Police and the Public Prosecutor's Office failed to share critical intelligence regarding a terrorist threat with the Counter-Terrorism Coordination Unit, leaving the PSP unable to adjust security measures for Prime Minister Montenegro and President Marcelo.

publico.pt25 Jun

PS again proposes Filipe Neto Brandão for the Superior Intelligence Council and Francisco César for the Defence Council

🏛️ Government#national-security+2 more

The Socialist Party has re-nominated deputies Filipe Neto Brandão and Francisco César for positions on the Superior Intelligence Council and the Superior Council of National Defence.

RTP Notícias7 Apr

PS again proposes Filipe Neto Brandão for the Superior Intelligence Council and Francisco César for the Defence Council

Portugal Defence Minister targeted by WhatsApp hacker

🏛️ Government 💡 Technology#national-security+1 more

The Portugal News2 Nov

Portugal Defence Minister targeted by WhatsApp hacker

Minister of Defence target of cyberattack allowing messages to be sent in his name

🏛️ Government 💡 Technology#national-security+1 more

The Minister of National Defence, Nuno Melo, revealed today that his mobile phone was the target of a cyberattack that allowed third parties to use his number, sending messages in his name and intercepting communications.

rtp.pt2 Nov

Minister of Defence target of cyberattack allowing messages to be sent in his name

22.2 million radar for the Air Force

🏛️ Government 🇪🇺 Europe#national-security+1 more

The investment will take place between 2026 and 2028 and aims to strengthen the surveillance of national airspace and Portugal's participation in the NATO air defence system.

observador.pt29 Oct

Government approves 22 million euros for long-range air defence radar

🏛️ Government 🚇 Infrastructure#national-security+1 more

The equipment aims to strengthen 'the capability for surveillance and identification of threats in the national airspace'.

cmjornal.pt29 Oct

Government approves 22 million euros for long-range air defence radar

🏛️ Government#national-security+1 more

The Government today authorized the Air Force to acquire a mobile long-range radar system for a maximum value of 22.2 million euros, with the goal of strengthening national air defence capacity.

rtp.pt29 Oct

Pro-Russian oligarch accuses Portugal and Spain of supporting Kiev and threatens retaliation

🏛️ Government ⚖️ Legal#national-security+1 more

Viktor Medvedchuk denounced this Thursday the alleged involvement of the Iberian Peninsula in the production of weaponry to support Kiev in attacks against Russia. The oligarch is informally known as 'Putin's crony' and warned Portugal and Spain of possible retaliation.

rtp.pt29 Oct

Pro-Russian oligarch accuses Portugal and Spain of supporting Kiev and threatens retaliation

Pro-Russian oligarch accuses Portugal and Spain of helping Kyiv manufacture weapons and threatens the Iberian Peninsula

🏛️ Government 🇪🇺 Europe#national-security+2 more

A pro-Russian oligarch has alleged that Portugal and Spain are assisting Ukraine in weapon production and has issued threats against the Iberian Peninsula.

Euronews.com29 Oct

Pro-Russian oligarch accuses Portugal and Spain of helping Kyiv manufacture weapons and threatens the Iberian Peninsula

Putin ally warns Portuguese and Spanish arms firms could become Russian targets

⚖️ Legal 🏛️ Government#national-security+2 more

A Ukrainian oligarch with close ties to Vladimir Putin has warned that Portuguese and Spanish weapons manufacturers could become targets for Russian retaliatory strikes, claiming they are helping Ukraine develop The post Putin ally warns Portuguese and Spanish arms firms could become Russian targets appeared first on Portugal Resident.

portugalresident.com29 Oct

Putin ally warns Portuguese and Spanish arms firms could become Russian targets

Oligarch accuses Portugal and Spain of assisting Kyiv in weapons manufacturing and issues threat

🏛️ Government ⚖️ Legal#national-security+1 more

A Russian oligarch claims that Portugal and Spain are aiding Ukraine in the production of armaments and has issued a formal threat against both nations.

SIC Notícias29 Oct

Portugal and Spain may become "legitimate targets" of Russian attacks: oligarch close to Putin accuses countries of manufacturing weapons for Kyiv

🏛️ Government ⚖️ Legal#national-security+1 more

The oligarch also wrote that Portuguese and Spanish companies are being transformed into production bases for Ukrainian missiles and drones, without specifying the names of the companies.

cnnportugal.iol.pt29 Oct

Portugal and Spain may become "legitimate targets" of Russian attacks: oligarch close to Putin accuses countries of manufacturing weapons for Kyiv

History has returned to Europe

🏛️ Government 🇪🇺 Europe#national-security+1 more

A society needs to understand why it is worth defending the political community to which it belongs. This is where historical continuity acquires a present-day meaning.

observador.pt29 Oct

Azores base has 17 US tanker aircraft stationed there. What is the reason?

🏛️ Government 🚇 Infrastructure#national-security+2 more

An investigation into why 17 United States Air Force tanker planes are currently deployed at the air base in the Azores.

contacto.lu24 Oct

President of the Republic thanks all those serving in the Army in an "increasingly complex" context

🏛️ Government 📜 History#national-security+1 more

The President of the Republic marks Army Day this Saturday, October 24, with a written message expressing gratitude to all who serve “in an increasingly complex, demanding and unpredictable international context.” In a message published on the Presidency of the Republic's official website, António José Seguro mentions that Army Day “has as its historical reference the conquest of Lisbon in 1147 by the troops of King Afonso Henriques” and remembers those who fought for Portugal in the past. He highlights the commitment of the men and women serving the Portuguese Army and thanks them for their professionalism and sense of duty. Seguro also pays tribute to former combatants, promising attention to their needs, and warns of “threats to the international order” while advocating for the strengthening of military capabilities.

dn.pt24 Oct

President of the Republic thanks all those serving in the Army in an "increasingly complex" context

PS questions Defence Ministry regarding the Military Programming Law and the replacement of F-16 fighter jets

🏛️ Government 🚇 Infrastructure#national-security+1 more

The Socialist Party (PS) wants the Government to clarify when it will submit the proposal for the revision of the Military Programming Law (LPM) to Parliament and how it intends to coordinate this process with the decision on replacing the F-16 fighter jets. The Socialists point to contradictions between statements made by the Minister of National Defence, Nuno Melo, and...

eco.sapo.pt23 Oct

PS questions Defence Ministry regarding the Military Programming Law and the replacement of F-16 fighter jets

Shortage of military personnel is "serious", say former chiefs, calling for a body to address salary issues

🏛️ Government 🇪🇺 Europe#national-security+1 more

The Independent Strategic Reflection Group considers it “disturbing” that “not a word” is mentioned regarding human resources in SAFE, the European defence loan programme.

publico.pt23 Oct

NATO warns Portugal: just because we are far from Russia does not mean we are "immune to many threats"

🏛️ Government 🇪🇺 Europe#national-security+1 more

Radmila Shekerinska was one of the speakers at the CNN Portugal Summit Strategic Transformation Lab

cnnportugal.iol.pt22 Oct

NATO warns Portugal: just because we are far from Russia does not mean we are "immune to many threats"

Portugal has the 'great mission' of 'controlling the ocean in favour of the allies'. And 'with a hybrid navy we can get there', says Gouveia e Melo

🏛️ Government 🌱 Environment#national-security+1 more

The former Chief of Staff of the Navy continues to appeal 'for us to continue doing that', because 'we were true pioneers'

cnnportugal.iol.pt22 Oct

Portugal has the 'great mission' of 'controlling the ocean in favour of the allies'. And 'with a hybrid navy we can get there', says Gouveia e Melo

Portugal has the "great mission" of "controlling the ocean in favour of allies". And "with a hybrid navy we can get there", says Gouveia e Melo

🏛️ Government 💡 Technology#national-security+3 more

Admiral Gouveia e Melo emphasises that Portugal's strategic role involves securing the oceans for its allies through the development of a hybrid naval fleet.

TVI21 Oct

Portugal has the "great mission" of "controlling the ocean in favour of allies". And "with a hybrid navy we can get there", says Gouveia e Melo

“A refinery is a legitimate target. I would attack it”: interview with the chair of the NATO Military Committee

🏛️ Government 🇪🇺 Europe#national-security+2 more

Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone states that Portugal needs fifth-generation aircraft to meet the Atlantic Alliance's capability objectives and that NATO has not yet detected Russian activity near the cables off the Portuguese coast. The Alliance's most senior military officer expects the results of the review of the United States' military presence in Europe by January.

expresso.pt21 Oct

“A refinery is a legitimate target. I would attack it”: interview with the chair of the NATO Military Committee

Former military chiefs warn of a "grim outlook" regarding personnel shortages in the Armed Forces

🏛️ Government#national-security+1 more

The Independent Strategic Reflection Group (GREI) points out that the personnel crisis “is not new,” but “the outlook is now bleaker and more worrying.”

cmjornal.pt21 Oct

Former military chiefs warn of a "grim outlook" regarding personnel shortages in the Armed Forces

Air Force reinforces the Atlantic Constellation with two new satellites

💡 Technology 🏛️ Government#national-security+2 more

The Atlantic Constellation was reinforced this Tuesday with two new satellites that will be operated by the Air Force, adding sovereign capability to Portugal for observing and monitoring national territory and the Atlantic space. With these two new satellites, Portugal strengthens its sovereign capacity to observe, understand, and protect what is...

eco.sapo.pt20 Oct

Air Force reinforces the Atlantic Constellation with two new satellites

Air Force strengthens Atlantic Constellation with the launch of two more satellites

💡 Technology 🏛️ Government#national-security+1 more

Satellites will allow for the observation and monitoring of the national territory and the Atlantic space.

cmjornal.pt20 Oct

Air Force strengthens Atlantic Constellation with the launch of two more satellites

Seguro declares himself “attentive and vigilant” and assigns responsibility for the “prestige of the PJ” to sovereign bodies

🏛️ Government ⚖️ Legal#national-security+2 more

The President of the Republic stated this Tuesday, at the headquarters of the Judiciary Police (PJ), that he is “always attentive and vigilant” but acts “with discretion,” and attributed responsibility for the “prestige of the PJ” to its directors, as well as to the sovereign bodies. António José Seguro, speaking at a solemn session commemorating the 81st anniversary of the Judiciary Police (PJ), argued that...

eco.sapo.pt20 Oct

Seguro declares himself “attentive and vigilant” and assigns responsibility for the “prestige of the PJ” to sovereign bodies

Nos and Telefónica sign 'strategic agreement' for defence and security solutions

💡 Technology 🏛️ Government#national-security+2 more

Nos and Telefónica have signed a 'strategic agreement' to develop new defence and security solutions, following a demonstration at REPMUS, a robotics and autonomous vehicle exercise organised by the Portuguese Navy, where the two operators showed the ability to integrate their 5G technologies into operational scenarios. 'This collaboration is particularly relevant in the current context...'

eco.sapo.pt20 Oct

Nos and Telefónica sign 'strategic agreement' for defence and security solutions

NATO prepares for a war. Putin is already waging another

🏛️ Government 🇪🇺 Europe#national-security+1 more

General Alexus Grynkewich, SACEUR, stresses NATO's readiness for conventional conflict, but highlights that Russia is already engaging in hybrid warfare—including sabotage, cyberattacks, and disinformation—below the threshold of traditional combat. The author argues that Europe must bolster its multidimensional response, improve intelligence sharing, and maintain political cohesion to counter Moscow's persistent sub-threshold strategy, while also coordinating a strategic transition with the United States.

dn.pt16 Oct