Portugal may join European ballistic missile defense coalition

Portugal is evaluating the possibility of joining the Ballistic Missile Defence Coalition, an alliance established as a "purely defensive" initiative to foster an integrated missile defense architecture for Europe. The confirmation came from the country's Foreign Minister, Paulo Rangel.

Speaking to journalists in Paris during a summit of the "Coalition of Volunteers," Rangel stated that the Portuguese government will analyze the option. The proposal will then be discussed with Prime Minister Luís Montenegro and Defense Minister Nuno Melo before any decision is finalized. "It is possible that Portugal will become part of this coalition; that was left open today," the head of Portuguese diplomacy explained.

This coalition, which was announced and has already attracted ten countries including Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom, aims to complement existing missile defense systems. It also seeks to incorporate systems that participating states may acquire or develop in the future.

According to the coalition's signatories, the alliance intends to unify the defense industrial base, research capabilities, and operational experience of its members. The goal is to build a shared capacity to counter ballistic missiles and support the necessary development activities for such a system.

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It is possible that Portugal will become part of this coalition; that was left open today.