Damen Launches First Europe-built Drone Carrier for Portugal

The launch of the lead unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) carrier, the NRP D. João II (Dom João II), commissioned by the Portuguese Navy, took place at the Damen Shipyards Group shipyard in Galati, Romania on April 7.

The event marks the arrival in Europe of the first ship designed from the ground up as a UAV carrier. Built to the Multi Purpose Vessel (MPV) 10720 design, the vessel is approximately 107.5 meters long, 20 meters wide, and has a full load displacement of approximately 7,000 tons.

Its propulsion system provides a maximum speed of up to 15 knots, but its key performance characteristic is its endurance of up to 45 days, making it ideal for long-term surveillance and patrol missions in remote areas of the Atlantic.

The ship has a crew of 48, and additional laboratory and living quarters can accommodate up to 42 unmanned systems operators and scientific personnel.

Following completion of port and sea trials scheduled for the end of 2026, the ship is expected to be delivered to the Navy and enter service in 2027.

he main tasks of the MPV NRP Dom João II will be to enhance persistent maritime surveillance capabilities, deploy and operate diverse unmanned systems (air, surface, and underwater), and provide maritime situational awareness.

Its deployment will enhance Portugal's operational capabilities within the framework of NATO commitments and ensure a strategic presence in the Atlantic region.