The Portuguese government has approved an updated military programming law, which must be voted on by parliament, the Ministry of National Defence (MND) told Jane's on 29 November.
Covering 2019─30, the document replaces the EUR3.159 billion (USD3.6 billion) 2015─26 programming law approved on 18 May 2015. The new law foresees an amount of EUR4.740 billion or an increase of EUR1.581 billion, with reviews scheduled to take place in 2022 and 2026.
The proposal includes structural projects expected to give a significant boost to the Portuguese defence industry, such as the acquisition of up to six KC-390 tanker-transports and associated simulator worth around EUR827 million; six Viana do Castelo-class offshore patrol vessels worth EUR352 million; a EUR150 million replenishment tanker; a EUR300 million multi-purpose logistics ship; and a EUR171 million soldier system.