The Portuguese Navy has launched the NRP D. João II, a multipurpose vessel designated as the Multifunctional Naval Platform, on April 7, 2026. The ship, described as Europe’s first dedicated drone carrier, was launched at the Damen Shipyards Galați in Romania.
The vessel is designed to operate unmanned aerial, surface and underwater systems. According to the Portuguese Navy, this approach allows the ship to maintain high functional flexibility, as it can switch between different mission profiles within a week by swapping out systems and equipment.
Technical Specifications and Capabilities
The NRP D. João II has a displacement of 7,000 tonnes and measures 107.6 meters in length with a beam of 20 meters. This proves powered by two Tier III motors and can reach a speed of 15 knots.
The ship’s aviation facilities include two hangars capable of carrying two helicopters and UAVs. In emergency situations, the vessel can transport up to 300 soldiers. Its capacity includes 18 containers or 18 vehicles, or alternatively, 10 semi-rigid boats, and it carries four boats and landing craft.
The vessel’s operational scope is broad, designed for surveillance operations, oceanographic research, environmental and meteorological monitoring, and emergency evacuation missions. It is intended to support long-duration missions across Portugal’s maritime domain, including civil protection and Atlantic surveillance.
Development and Funding
The contract for the construction of the ship was signed with the Damen Group on November 24, 2023, at a total cost of €132 million. The project was conceived by Henrique Gouveia e Melo, the former Chief of Staff of the Navy.
Funding for the vessel was provided primarily by the European Union’s Recovery and Resilience Fund (RRF), which is part of the Next Generation EU initiative.
The construction timeline included a keel laying ceremony on October 3, 2024. Subsequent technical developments included the contracting of Alewijnse in October 2024 for electrical installations and a January 2025 agreement for Schottel to supply two EcoPeller SRE 560 and one TransverseThruster STT 3 FP.
Strategic Significance
The NRP D. João II represents a shift in naval strategy for smaller countries, utilizing unmanned systems to extend operational reach at reduced costs compared to traditional aircraft carriers. The Portuguese Navy did not patent the concept, and the company that won the tender has reportedly received expressions of interest from other European navies.
Henrique Gouveia e Melo, former Chief of Staff of the Navy
a point of no return for modernity
Current Status and Next Steps
Following its launch on April 7, 2026, the NRP D. João II is currently awaiting sea trials. These trials are scheduled to take place later in 2026.
The vessel is expected to enter active service in the second half of 2026 after the completion of the testing phase.