Portugal Prepares Drone Carrier D. João II

Portugal is preparing to launch Europe’s first drone carrier, the D. João II, later this year, built by Dutch shipbuilder Damen for the Portuguese Navy. The multi-purpose vessel can deploy unmanned aircraft (UAS), unmanned surface vessels (USV), and unmanned underwater vehicles (UUV), offering over 10,000 square feet of flight and storage space and modular mission reconfiguration. Analysts say it could broaden maritime surveillance, deterrence, and strike options and influence naval procurement choices.