Portuguese peacekeepers receive new small arms
The Portuguese Army has provided new weapons to its 7th National Force detached in the Central African Republic (CAR), as part of broader efforts to replace its small arms inventory.
Portuguese troops in the CAR received NATO FN Minimi machine guns, plus FN SCAR L STD and SCAR H STD assault rifles.
Army officials explained to Shephard that Portugal is reaffirming its commitment to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), by endowing it with a modern, well-equipped and trained force.
Portuguese Army spokesperson Lt Col Ana Silva told Shephard that the latest weapons
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
You may also like
More from Land Warfare
-
![Early prototype of General Dynamics M1E3 main battle tank displayed at Detroit auto show]()
Early prototype of General Dynamics M1E3 main battle tank displayed at Detroit auto show
The first prototype M1E3 main battle tank was handed over to the US Army for testing and evaluation earlier this year, and now a pre-prototype has been unveiled. What have we learned from the vehicle first seen on 14 January?
-
![Bulgaria to receive first Strykers in February as part of force equipment refresh]()
Bulgaria to receive first Strykers in February as part of force equipment refresh
The delivery of the Stryker infantry fighting vehicles will form one piece of the country’s effort to re-equip its forces, which includes F-16 fighter jets and new air defence systems.
-
![Rheinmetall KF41 Lynx fighting vehicles set for first taste of combat in Ukraine]()
Rheinmetall KF41 Lynx fighting vehicles set for first taste of combat in Ukraine
A June 2024 agreement with Ukraine for Rheinmetall to provide 10 KF41s along with the establishment of a manufacturing facility in the country has moved a step closer, with the factory now built and a contract signed.
-
![First gun barrels for British Army howitzers due from Rheinmetall’s new UK factory in 2027]()
First gun barrels for British Army howitzers due from Rheinmetall’s new UK factory in 2027
The new Rheinmetall facility will supply barrels for UK RCH 155 howitzers and Challenger 3 tanks while also opening up potential export opportunities, providing a currently absent national capability.
-
![Germany increases Arrow missile defence deal to $6.1 billion as American interest grows]()
Germany increases Arrow missile defence deal to $6.1 billion as American interest grows
Germany’s move to buy Israel Aerospace Industries’ Arrow missile defence system became public in mid-2023 with approval from the US government shortly after. The first operational system is expected to be in service before 2030.
-
![Sweden’s recent air defence spend tips to $6 billion with 2026 procurement planned]()
Sweden’s recent air defence spend tips to $6 billion with 2026 procurement planned
Procurement of various short-range systems will begin in the first quarter of 2026, with additional procurements to be made later in the year.
