# Portuguese frigate acquisition controversy

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/portuguese-frigate-acquisition-controversy
> Updated: 2026-08-13T14:08:05.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 2.

A controversy has emerged in Portugal regarding the €3.9 billion acquisition of three frigates from the Italian manufacturer Fincantieri. The dispute was triggered by reports from the news outlet 24Horas, which suggested that the exclusion of the Portuguese company NTG from the deal resulted in a loss of €90 million in commissions.

In response to these reports, political parties PSD and CDS-PP have requested a parliamentary hearing for the Minister of National Defense, Nuno Melo. The hearing aims to address questions regarding the transparency of the SAFE program, a mechanism for State-to-State acquisitions. Minister Melo has defended the process, asserting that the SAFE mechanism relies on direct negotiations between states and excludes private company participation.

Minister Melo has also announced intentions to pursue legal action against the news outlet 24Horas, Chega party leader André Ventura, and deputy Pedro Frazão. The Ministry alleges that the individuals “lied premeditatedly and distorted facts” regarding the deal, claiming their accusations have crossed the limits of political combat and harmed the institution’s reputation.

## Claims

- The PSD and CDS-PP parties have requested a parliamentary hearing for Minister of National Defense Nuno Melo. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The hearing is intended to address doubts regarding the acquisition of three frigates under the SAFE program. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The acquisition of three frigates from Fincantieri is valued at 3.9 billion euros. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The Portuguese company NTG was allegedly excluded from the operation at the last minute. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The alleged exclusion resulted in NTG losing 90 million euros in commissions. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Minister Nuno Melo stated that the SAFE program is based on State-to-State negotiations and no companies participated in the negotiations. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The Minister of National Defense announced plans to legally prosecute the newspaper 24Horas. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Nuno Melo also intends to prosecute André Ventura and Pedro Frazão for their social media statements. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-13: Nuno Melo faces parliamentary hearing over frigate acquisition

Portuguese parties PSD and CDS-PP have requested a parliamentary hearing for Defense Minister Nuno Melo following allegations of irregularities in a 3.9 billion euro frigate deal with Italy's Fincantieri.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nuno-melo-faces-parliamentary-hearing-over-frigate-acquisition

### 2026-08-10: Nuno Melo to sue André Ventura and Pedro Frazão over frigate deal claims

Portuguese Defense Minister Nuno Melo is suing Chega leader André Ventura and deputy Pedro Frazão over allegations of corruption and misinformation regarding a €3.9 billion frigate purchase from Italy.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nuno-melo-to-sue-andr-ventura-and-pedro-frazo-over-frigate-deal-claims

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Cite as: Portuguese frigate acquisition controversy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/portuguese-frigate-acquisition-controversy