Portuguese Navy

Portuguese Navy

The Portuguese Navy (Marinha de Guerra Portuguesa) traces its history back to the 12^th Century through colonial exploration to the modern day. Most of Portugal’s ships are lightly armed and designed for overseas duties in a low threat environment, although they are effective in exerting influence in former colonies they are rather anemic by European and North Atlantic standards. An agreement with Britain to purchase the Rover Class fleet support tanker (RFA Blue Rover) was not executed in the Northern Fury world, leaving the Portuguese Navy dependent on others for at sea replenishment.

Vasco Da Gama Class:

As an exception to the rule, these three ships were commissioned in 1991 and 92, are based on the German MEKO 200 design and are very capable general purpose warships. They are well rounded patrol ships but lack variable depth sonar or area air defence systems. They carry two Lynx helicopters, Harpoon Missiles and Sea Sparrow short range air defence. All are based in Lisbon.

João Coutinho class: These 25-year-old ships were small and inexpensive to operate, but with the correlation that they were very poorly equipped in both weapons and sensors. Meant as a Patrol Frigate (most references call them Corvettes), they spent much of their life traveling the globe.

João Belo-class frigate: Another class of small Frigates, although these are better equipped than the F 471 class, their weapons suite is still quite light by 1994 standards. The third 100mm gun has been removed from F 480 during her mid life refit, and will be removed from the others as they proceed through the process over the next few years.

Baptista de Andrade class: The four ships of this class are quite similar to the João Coutinho class, although the Baptista class is slightly better equipped, the Coutinho class was more popular in the navy. The original intent of these ships is somewhat of a mystery, there is a good chance that they were destined to be delivered to South Africa during the Apartheid era international Arms Embargo; those plans were probably canceled with a change of Portuguese government and obviously did not happen. Another effort to sell the ships to Columbia fell through in 1977.

Cacine class Patrol Boats: Primarily used to conduct fisheries patrols in home waters, these small (300 Ton) lightly armed vessels are capable of their duties and not much else, but are efficient to operate.

Albatroz Class Patrol Boats: Originally meant to patrol the waters in Portuguese colonies, the only examples remaining overseas in 1994 are two in East Timor. The other four have been pulled out of former African colonies and taken up duties in the Lisbon area.

Albacora Class

The first submarines to serve in the Portuguese Navy, the Albacora class were based on the successful French Daphne boats. These are very capable submarines able to patrol both coastal and deep ocean areas. A fourth submarine of this class was sold to the Pakistani Navy in 1975.

Logistic Force

Sao Gabriel

A single ship AO (Replenishment Oiler) for supporting the fleet this ship was commissioned in 1963, was 14,000 tons, has a helicopter landing deck and could refuel ships from both sides.

Logistic support ship

Sao Miguel

A single ship class used primarily to support garrisons in the Azores and other locations, it also participated in the Gulf War. Is an 8,000-ton ship with a helicopter landing deck and facilities for transporting troops and some vehicles.