MADRID, — June 09, 2026 : Spanish defense technology company EM&E Group has secured a contract to supply the Portuguese Navy with 47 SENTINEL remote-controlled naval weapon stations (RCWS) through the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA). The agreement marks the company's first large-scale contract managed directly by the NATO agency.
The procurement is part of Portugal’s efforts to enhance the fleet’s close-range and medium-range defense capabilities while improving interoperability with NATO allies through standardized equipment and support frameworks.
The contract will be executed in two phases and includes the delivery of EM&E Group’s SENTINEL 2.0 and SENTINEL 30 weapon stations. While the exact number of each variant has not been disclosed, the systems will be supplied in 12.7 mm and 30 mm calibers respectively.
The SENTINEL 2.0 is a lightweight remote weapon station designed for short- and medium-range defense. It can be equipped with 12.7 mm heavy machine guns and is intended to counter fast attack craft, asymmetric maritime threats, and low-altitude aerial targets.
The SENTINEL 30 is a stabilized turret system armed with a 30 mm automatic cannon, compatible with the MK 44 Bushmaster II chain gun. The system provides greater range and firepower against larger surface threats and can also support programmable air-burst munitions.
Both systems are equipped with day and infrared cameras, laser rangefinders, automatic target tracking, and integrated fire-control software. These features allow operators to detect, track, and engage targets remotely from protected positions inside a vessel while maintaining accuracy in various operational conditions.
The procurement through NSPA is expected to simplify logistics, maintenance support, and ammunition compatibility across NATO member states. EM&E Group said the contract reflects the systems’ compliance with NATO operational and technical requirements.
The SENTINEL family has been in service with the Spanish Navy for several years, providing an established operational record that supported its selection by Portugal. The systems have also been supplied to international customers, including the Royal Thai Navy.
The deployment of the SENTINEL 2.0 and SENTINEL 30 on Portuguese naval vessels is expected to strengthen the country's maritime defense capabilities while creating greater technical and logistical commonality with the Spanish Navy. Delivery of the 47 weapon stations will take place in phases, although specific timelines have not been announced.
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