Portugal’s drone carrier NRP João II sailing at sea, featuring a full-length flight deck designed for launching and recovering aerial, surface, and underwater drones.

Europe’s ‘First Dedicated Drone Carrier’: Portugal Readies Unmanned Systems Warship

Feb 3, 2026 10:36 AMPublished Feb 3, 2026 10:36 AM

Europe is soon launching its first carrier warship built exclusively for drones, taking shape in Portugal ahead of its debut this year.

Europe is soon launching its first carrier warship built exclusively for drones, with the vessel taking shape in Portugal ahead of its debut later this year.

Built by Dutch company Damen, the NRPD João II spans 108 meters (354.3 feet) and features a 94-meter (308-feet) deck for launching and landing aerial drones.

It also includes a hangar for assembly and maintenance, plus a stern ramp for deploying surface and underwater drones.

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