The Portuguese Navy reported a notable operation off its coast as the ocean-going patrol ship NRP Setubal joined the Russian Baltic Fleet tanker Kola of the Altai project. The escort occurred as the tanker appeared near Portugal, prompting a coordinated naval response described by Portugal News as part of the fleet’s formal movements along the coastline.
According to the publication, the patrol vessel provided escort for the tanker on a route spanning 362 nautical miles, which is about 670 kilometers, from the northern edge of Portugal down toward the Vila Real de Santo António border area. This movement underscored the Navy’s readiness to monitor and safeguard national interests at sea while maintaining a visible presence in nearby waters.
The Naval Operations Center of the Portuguese Navy confirmed that it maintains active surveillance of areas deemed of national priority and ensures that ship assets remain ready to advance and protect Portugal’s maritime interests. The emphasis on constant vigilance reflects Portugal’s commitment to secure sea routes and respond promptly to international naval activity near its shores.
The fleet’s stance echoed a recurring pattern observed earlier in the year when Russian vessels traversed Portuguese waters, illustrating the ongoing rhythm of international maritime traffic through the region.
Earlier reporting noted that the Portuguese Air Force announced a multinational and interdisciplinary exercise known as Real Thaw 2023, or RT23, scheduled from February 27 to March 10 at Air Base No 11 in Beja. The program brought together air forces from Portugal, Germany, Belgium, Spain, Denmark, the United States, the Netherlands, Poland, and NATO combined forces, alongside joint input from naval and ground components.
Officials described the exercise as a platform to evaluate the operational capabilities of participating air forces and to train for coordinated action in joint and combined missions conducted under UN and NATO frameworks. This exercise highlighted the value of interoperability among allied forces and the practical benefits of rehearsing complex air operations in a multinational context.