Honoring Tradition and Progress: Highlights from the Portuguese Army Day Celebrations in Guarda

At the Rio Diz Urban Park we had the EXPO Exército, where the thousands of visitors could see the various units that make up the Portuguese Army, getting up close and personal with the various weapons systems and equipment that these forces use, whether to carry out combat missions or humanitarian aid and population support missions. Outside the exhibition, visitors were treated to the two “Heavy Weights” of the Mechanized Brigade, the Leopard 2A6 main battle tank and the M109A5 self-propelled artillery, various light vehicles such as the M11 Panhard reconnaissance vehicle and the URO Vamtac ST5 light armoured tactical vehicle in its various versions, among others, and some heavy support vehicles. Inside, they had the chance to see the various types of light weaponry used by forces such as the Commandos, Paratroopers and Special Forces, learn about the various simulation systems available to the Army in order to ensure greater preparation of its soldiers before they are deployed in real scenarios, discover the capabilities of inactivating Explosives/IEDs and NRBQ, among others.

Also as part of the Army EXPO, various activities were organized, some more oriented towards the little ones, such as the chance to practice climbing, always under the supervision and encouragement of the military personnel present. The little ones also had the chance to go horseback riding. As for activities for the whole family, visitors were able to do exercises on a dynamic shooting range and a sniper shooting range, all using airsoft of course, which provided a way for each participant to become a member of the Army, if only for a day. There were also those who ventured out for a short ride on the Polaris TP4 SOF and in a speedboat.

The EXPO Exército was also the stage for the signing ceremony of the Framework Arrangement for the joint acquisition by Portugal and France of a new artillery weapon system, the CAESAR howitzer, designed and manufactured by KNDS France.

The acquisition of this new artillery system for the Army contributes to the modernization of fire support, specifically field artillery, and demonstrates the Army's commitment to continuous investment in cutting-edge technology and raising its operational standards, as well as strengthening the ties of cooperation between the two countries.

This new weapon system is renowned for its Highly Effective Fire Power, Unrivaled Deployment Capability & Combat Proven and Survivability.

The CAESER 6x6, with its 155mm caliber gun can guarantee 6 rounds per minute, with a range of more than 40km using Base Bleed ERFB ammunition and more than 55 km using rocket assisted munition and without compromising the accuracy, thanks to its automatic re-laying after each round. Agile, stealthy and prepared for rapid operation with its automatic setting up, laying and shell loading, it can easily escape from the counter-battery: 1min 40s after opening fire, CAESAR has already fired six rounds and left its position.

It’s a system highly mobile, with off-road capability, and able to use public roads, motorways and winding roads without assistance. Also, it can be deployed via C-130 / A400 / IL76 / C-17, landing ship and train. 

It has seen extensive use by the French Army, being deployed in Afghanistan, Lebanon, Mali and Iraq. Nowadays, it is employed on the battlefields of Ukraine with the Ukrainian Forces, where this system has been given proof of its capacities, proving that its high mobility mixed with the “‘shoot-and-scoot’ tactics allow for great results. Around 300 CAESAR are in service or in production, operated by several customers, domestic and export.

Another point of interest at the EXPO Exército was the presence of the LYNX KF 41 infantry fighting vehicle, designed and manufactured by the German company Rheinmetall. 

There has long been talk of replacing the obsolete M113s, something that is foreseen in the current Military Development Law. Although there are no confirmations yet, there is a possibility that Portugal will join countries such as Hungary, which has become the launch customer for this version.

As said by Rheinmetall itself “The Lynx KF41 is more than just a new, highly advanced vehicle: it is the ultimate future-proof platform, blending unsurpassed protection with massive firepower and unbeatable mobility in a uniquely modular concept.”

The Lynx KF41 is highly modular and adaptable, allowing any base vehicle to be configured as:

• Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV)
• Command & Control
• Armoured Reconnaissance
• Repair & Recovery
• Fire support: Called the Lynx 120, this unique platform merges a tried-and-tested turret concept and the proven 120mm smoothbore cannon with the Lynx KF 41 chassis, offering a well-balanced blend of lethality, protection, mobility and survivability.
• Ambulance

 Changing from one configuration to another can occur within eight hours.

It features the latest generation of propulsion technology with an 850 kW (1140hp) Liebherr engine, a proven Renk transmission and with a flexible suspension system, the Lynx can be configured to carry various mission kits and survivability packages without compromising mobility.

The Lynx KF41 with the next generation Lance 2.0 turrent has been designed not only for passive and reactive systems, but also for an active protection system to defeat rocket-propelled grenades and anti tank guided missiles.

The next enhancement is the integration of the new Wotan 35 electrically driven cannon that fires Rheinmetall’s proven and in-service 35x228mm ammunition family.

Lastly, the Lance 2.0 has two flexible mission pods fitted to the left and right of the turret that allow installation of a variety of subsystems to give the turret a specialist capability. Examples of customer-selectable mission pods include dual Rafael Spike LR2 ATGMs, non-line of sight strike loitering munitions, UAVs or an electronic warfare package.

One of the highlights of this edition of the celebrations was the participation of the Portuguese Association of Antique Military Vehicles, an association dedicated to restoring vehicles that have served in the Portuguese Army, thus keeping their history alive. 

They were present with some of the vehicles of great importance in the Revolution of April 25, 1974, such as the Panhard EBR 75, the Humber MK IV and the Chaimite V200 “Bula”. Other examples were the Berliet-Tramagal GNC, the Unimog S404, the Mercedes 280 SE and the Volkswagen Type 2.

At the Teatro Municipal da Guarda, and later at the Parque Urbano do Rio Diz, there was a Technology Exhibition, aimed at Defense, Industry and Academics, where the Army's position as a credible partner for innovation was reinforced, demonstrating the commitment it has been making in this area, and also allowing us to understand the relevance of the NATO, European Union and National Defense Industries for the development of military land capabilities.

The exhibition presented equipment, solutions and devices that help solve problems and respond to identified needs.

On Saturday 26th, at the end of the morning, a military parade was held through the heart of the city of Guarda. The parade started next to the Monument to the Former Combatants and its main point was the José dos Lemos Municipal Garden. 

The parade featured a wide range of vehicles, all representing the various capabilities of the Army, and ended with the passage of the vehicles of the Portuguese Association of Antique Military Vehicles, which bear witness to bravery and ensure that History lives on.

On Sunday it was possible to watch a demonstration of Explosive Ordnance Disposal, carried out by members of the No. 1 Engineering Regiment. 

In this simulated scenario, an explosive device was detonated. 2 members of the Nuclear, Biological, Chemical and Radiological Defence Company (CDefNBQR) carried out reconnaissance to analyze the potential threat and define the security perimeter around the explosion site. During the reconnaissance process, they identified a second device. 

At this point, a member of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team (GrEqEOD) was mobilized. Equipped with an EOD10 protective suit and a disruptor cannon, he proceeded to detonate the device in a controlled manner. Immediately afterwards, the two members of the NBQR team analyzed the area of the second device to ensure safety and make sure there was no hazardous substance.

Late on Sunday morning, the Military Ceremony took place in the Rio Diz Urban Park. This ceremony was presided over by the Minister of National Defense, Dr. Nuno Melo, and in the presence of the Chief of Staff of the Army, General Eduardo Mendes Ferrão, speeches were made congratulating the Army and the men and women who serve in it, highlighting the value of commitment and bravery of those who dedicate their lives to the cause. Decorations were also awarded and at the end there was a parade of the forces and a parachute jump by four members of the “Falcões Negros”, the Army's parachute team.

In the words of General Eduardo Mendes Ferrão, the modernization of the Army to strengthen its operational capacity is extremely important. This modernization increases the availability to support global security and the well-being of the Portuguese people.

At the end of his speech, General Eduardo Mendes Ferrão thanked the Guarda City Hall, its Mayor and the region's institutions for their prompt, professional and very dignified support for Army Day, and extended his gratitude to “the entire population of Guarda, who warmly welcomed and embraced their Army”.