EID and the Portuguese Army will collaborate on the modernisation of tactical military communications systems, applying new technologies to substantially improve the digitalisation of the battlefield, as well as the command and control of operational forces.
The partnership, celebrated at the Military Academy in Amadora, Lisbon, will make it possible to upgrade current systems, ensuring the incorporation of new technologies to support their missions, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Augmented Reality, and to develop lighter and more robust communications equipment in line with NATO requirements, namely the Federated Mission Networking guidelines, which guarantees interoperability between the operational communications networks of allied countries.
EID is currently testing the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Augmented Reality technology to improve cognitive capability and cybersecurity through machine learning and secure integration.
‘The partnership we have with the Portuguese Army has been fundamental to the development of innovative technological solutions that meet emerging national defence needs,’ said Martin Bennett, Executive Chairman of EID.
‘With the technological growth we are witnessing, we may soon have systems that can recover audio in real time, eliminating any noise or disturbance, allowing us to obtain valuable information. We are also working on mapping the terrain to support reconnaissance, as well as sharing information between Army forces on campaign. Therefore, this protocol is a revalidation of the Army’s trust in the work of the EID and we are enthusiastic about continuing this co-operation, especially at a crucial time for European security and defence,’ adds Martin Bennett.
In the same context as the signing of the protocol, Lieutenant General Paulo Maia Pereira, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Army said: ‘Cooperation with EID has been crucial in modernising and empowering our Army with the latest technologies,’ concluding that ‘We are confident that these innovations will significantly strengthen our operational and defence capabilities.’
EID has actively participated with the Army in various tests and exercises, both international and national exercises, including participation in NATO CWIX (Coalition Warrior Interoperability Exercise), between 2022 and 2024, and in Exercise ARTEX (ARmy Technological EXperimentation) in the last two years. The company has also collaborated with the Army and Civil Protection organizations for emergency communications exercises, in particular the SIRESP Bootcamp held in the Azores, Madeira and the Algarve in 2022, 2023 and 2024, among others.
(1) Army Technology Day is an event that brings together industry leaders and military officers to explore the future of technology and to explore the future of technology and innovation in the defence sector. For more information about the event visit the EID website: www.eid.pt
