Last year, Portugal spent 5 million euros more than planning to support Ukraine. The total military aid budget in 2024 amounted to 226 million euros instead of the planned 221 million.
This was stated by the Minister of National Defense of Portugal Nuno Mel, CM reports. Where did Portugal send the funds? 100 million euros - in the Czech coalition for the purchase of ammunition. 52 million euros - in the British coalition for the purchase of Portuguese UAVs. Military equipment, in particular: 8 helicopters of SA-330 Puma, 155 mm howitzers, M113 armored vehicles. According to the Portuguese Ministry of Defense, in 2023 Ukraine received 8 SA-330 Puma helicopters, which have been stored for over 10 years before. Weapons: equipped with an Orb-31 X-band radar station. They can use EXOCET anti -ship missiles. They are used for exploration, search and rescue operations. Purchased by Portugal in the 1970s. Were active during the colonial wars in North Africa. Decommissioned in 2012 and put up for sale
Portugal continues to support Ukraine financially and technically. SA-330 Puma can strengthen Ukrainian air forces in combat and rescue operations. Europe is invested in the restoration of Ukrainian weapons reserves. Despite their respectable age, these "birds" can be useful for the Armed Forces in the war zone.
