Portugal to Commission Europe’s First Drone Carrier in Late 2026
The Portuguese Navy is scheduled to take delivery of the NRP D. João II in late 2026, making it the first European vessel designed primarily for unmanned systems operations.
Featured image: Portuguese Navy
Vessel Specifications
The multi-mission platform displaces 7,000 tonnes and measures 107 metres in length, according to Portuguese Navy specifications. The vessel features a 94-metre flight deck capable of operating both unmanned aerial vehicles and conventional helicopters including the NH90 and EH-101.
The stern ramp configuration enables deployment of unmanned surface vehicles and remotely operated underwater vehicles capable of operating at depths up to 6,000 metres. The ship requires a permanent crew of 48 personnel, with accommodation for an additional 42 mission specialists.
Construction costs are reported at €132 million.
Operational Role
The vessel is designed to support Portuguese maritime surveillance requirements across one of Europe’s largest exclusive economic zones. Primary mission sets include:
- Maritime domain awareness across the Atlantic
- Oceanographic research operations
- Search and rescue coordination
- Environmental monitoring
- Humanitarian assistance and disaster response
The platform is rated for 45 days of autonomous operation, according to Portuguese Navy documentation.
Design Philosophy
The D. João II represents a departure from traditional carrier concepts. Rather than serving as a platform for manned aviation, the vessel is optimised for multi-domain unmanned operations while retaining helicopter capability.
The modular mission bay can be reconfigured within approximately one week to accommodate different operational requirements, according to the Portuguese Navy. Emergency accommodation capacity is rated for 100-200 personnel.
Sources:
[1] Army Recognition, «Portugal to Receive EU’s First Drone Carrier,» January 2026
[2] Euronews, «Portugal Builds Europe’s First Drone Carrier,» January 2026