Portugal Hosts First EU Defense Technology Experimentation Campaign

Portugal has been chosen as the field laboratory for the European Defence Agency (EDA) to conduct the first operational campaign of the Army Technological Experimentation Exercise (ARTEX26/OPEX26). The exercise runs from 21 September to 14 October at the Santa Margarida military field, where emerging technologies such as artificial‑intelligence systems, unmanned aerial and ground vehicles, robotics, smart sensors, command‑and‑control, electronic warfare and resilient communications will be tested in realistic operational scenarios.

Portuguese company UAVision was selected as one of five firms to trial loitering‑munition (attack) drones under the Sentinel Strike Challenge. Each finalist receives a €30 000 prize and will compete for a €1.8 million global award after the field trials. General Eduardo Mendes Ferrão, chief of the Portuguese Army Staff, said the event confirms Portugal’s status as a major European player in defence innovation and cooperation with the EU, NATO and the defence industry.