NRP D. João II — operational support & capability fit-out
Portugal's first dedicated drone-carrier (ex-MV Atlantico) entered service in 2026. Sub-tenders for ISR sensors, tethered drones, EO/IR payloads, and counter-drone protection are expected to roll out from Q3 2026 onward through Marinha Portuguesa and idD Portugal.
Programme summary
The NRP D. João II is a converted Atlantico-class roll-on/roll-off vessel, now repurposed as the European Union's first dedicated drone-carrier at a €132M acquisition cost. The vessel is configured to operate fixed-wing UAS, rotary UAS, tethered ISR platforms, and electro-optical/infrared payloads across naval, ISR, search-and-rescue, and force-protection mission profiles.
Sub-tenders covering specific subsystems — onboard counter-UAS protection, organic ISR platforms for landing parties, tethered surveillance for harbour operations, sustainment contracts, and training — are expected to publish on a rolling basis through 2026, 2027, and into 2028. Operational doctrine is still being defined, which means early-engaged suppliers shape requirements.
Why it matters
This is the single largest signal in Iberian unmanned-systems procurement this decade. The vessel itself is bought; the operational stack around it is in flight. Suppliers who engage Marinha Portuguesa and idD in 2026 will be the suppliers shortlisted for sub-tenders in 2027.
Suggested matches in the directory
KrattWorks
Multirotor ISR with autonomous landing fits small-deck operations.
Threod Systems
Long-endurance UAS for harbour and transit security.
CAFA Tech
Tethered drones for persistent surveillance during port calls.
Sensofusion
Counter-UAS protection for the vessel itself.
MyDefence
Wearable C-UAS for landing parties and force-protection details.
idD Portugal is the right first contact for sub-tender pipeline visibility. Marinha communications goes through DAGI for capability acquisition. EMGFA sets the operational requirements that flow into procurement.