The Army’s Experimentation and Technological Modernization Center held the 2nd event on ‘INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGICAL MODERNIZATION IN THE ARMY’. The event, co-organized by the Portuguese Army, AED Cluster Portugal, Oeiras Valley, and idD Portugal Defence, took place on November 22nd and 23rd, 2023, at the Taguspark Congress Center in Oeiras.
The initiative was aimed at the business, technological, and academic sectors, intending to position the Portuguese Army as a credible partner for innovation, fostering the creation of synergies to leverage initiatives and research, development, and innovation projects.
Between November 22 and 23, the event featured various informative sessions and an exhibition of companies belonging to the national Defence ecosystem.
Get to know the participating entities: ISQ, CITEVE, Beyond Vision, Fibrenamics, INESC TEC, Swatter Company, Instituto de Telecomunicações, Beyondcomposite – Composite Engineering Solutions, Atlas, CODI, Europa Victrix, UAVision, Lavoro, Indra, Plasan, Ricardo & Barbosa, AeroTéc, and Topogis.
On November 23, the Portuguese Army and idD Portugal Defence presented the “PRT Army Tested” and “Combat Proven” certificates. This recognition is an integral part of the initiative ‘Qualification Mark for Military Systems and Equipment of the Army’.
The PRT Army Tested certificate was awarded to the active NBQR protective clothing developed in a consortium by LATINO GROUP, the University of Minho, Tintex Textiles, and Sciencentris, for chemical and biological protection equipment.
The Combat Proven certificate was awarded to the modular helmet and ballistic protection tactical vest, as well as the set of elbow and knee protection developed under the AUXDEFENSE project, in a consortium between FIBRAUTO, LATINO GROUP, LMA Leandro Manuel Araújo, and the University of Minho.
Later in the afternoon, Alexandra Pessanha, together with General Mendes Ferrão and the Mayor of Oeiras, Isaltino Morais, visited the technological exhibition, having the opportunity to engage with various exhibiting entities and learn about some of the solutions produced by the national Defence industry.
The initiative, developed in partnership by idD Portugal Defence and the Portuguese Army, addresses the need of national companies to demonstrate the use of their solutions in the field, acting as a facilitator in business contacts and promoting the internationalization of Portuguese technology.
The event highlighted the Portuguese Army’s commitment to innovation and modernization, fostering strategic partnerships that drive technological development and strengthen the National Defence Industry.
The Qualification System is intended for equipment or systems developed by companies in the Technological and Industrial Defence Base, which are tested by the Portuguese Army through prior application and are granted a Certificate of Conformity.
Two types of qualifications are awarded based on the nature of the tests conducted. The PRT Army Tested is awarded to a system or equipment that meets the general and specific requirements applicable to a usage profile defined by the Portuguese Army. The Combat Proven Qualification is granted to a system or equipment that not only meets the requirements but has also been successfully used in actual military operations.”
