15-16 May 2024
The Deputy Director MCCE led a recent engagement meeting with the Portuguese Joint Command (Comando Conjunto para as Operações Militares – CCOM) in Lisbon.
Over 2 intense days of briefings and in-depth discussions the team explored various options and opportunities with the CCOM staff and representatives from the Portuguese Navy, Army, and Air Force.
Of note were the options for Cross Exchange between SEOS and ATARES which would allow Portugal to take full advantage of their operational capabilities.
The introduction of the KC390 to the Portuguese inventory adds a significant capability in the Air domain; Portugal will be the front runner within MCCE for this aircraft type and thus pave the way for what is expected to be 6 MCCE nations operating the KC390.
The team thoroughly enjoyed the excellent hospitality of the CCOM staff, especially dinner at the Naval Officers’ Mess in Cascais, a perfect setting.
They also viewed the Joint Command facilities including the operational bunker.
The visit greatly increased the mutual understanding of the Portuguese national assets, upcoming expectations, and constraints.
We look forward to assisting Portugal with an increased level of activity and future cooperations that will benefit other Partner Nations.