Portuguese Navy Builds Drone Ship

Have you visited us yet? Fridays from 5 pm at Tanunda Recreational Park. Visitors are welcome.

It seems to be a first and is a good looking ship to work with drones, the now proven method of killing the enemy without risking one’s own military. Thanks to the Ukraine Military that is using them very well to defeat Russia.

The Portuguese Navy has confirmed that Europe’s first naval carrier designed exclusively for unmanned systems is now taking shape in Portugal, marking a significant milestone in maritime innovation and defence capability.

The vessel, named NRPD João II, is being constructed by Dutch shipbuilder Damen and measures 108 metres in length, with a 94-metre flight deck dedicated to the launch and recovery of aerial drones. The ship is also equipped with a stern ramp for the deployment of surface and underwater unmanned vehicles, alongside a hangar for assembly, maintenance, and mission preparation.

Designed as a highly modular platform, the João II incorporates 18 container-sized mission modules. These can be rapidly reconfigured to support roles including hyperbaric treatment, medical and hospital facilities, or storage for more than 18 light vehicles and 10 boats. Mission systems and equipment can be swapped within a week, allowing the ship to transition swiftly between operational profiles.

“This approach allows the ship to maintain high functional flexibility, switching between different mission profiles without significant structural compromises,” said Portuguese Navy spokesperson Ricardo Sá Granja.

The standard crew complement consists of 48 naval personnel and 42 specialist operators and scientists, with emergency accommodation for up to 200 additional staff.

Built for endurance, the vessel is capable of 45 days of fully autonomous operations, reducing reliance on immediate logistical support.

Valued at approximately $US156 million, the NRPD João II is expected to achieve a top speed of 15.5 knots (29 kilometres or 18 miles per hour). The ship will be able to deploy multiple unmanned systems simultaneously, providing coordinated coverage across air, surface, and sub-surface domains.

In cooperation with local industry partners, the Portuguese Navy will be able to build certain unmanned systems on board, while international collaborators will contribute more advanced platforms to enhance operational capability.

The first NRPD João II is scheduled for delivery in the second half of 2026, with its debut expected to position Portugal at the forefront of unmanned naval operations in Europe.

Media release from the Portuguese Navy.

Army Cadet Receives Gold Commendation

Have you visited us yet? Fridays from 5 pm at Tanunda Recreational Park. Visitors are welcome. You don't have to be a veteran, an ADF member or associated with the ADF. 

It's always encouraging to see our younger generation and stories like this are always welcome.

In recognition of a most extraordinary feat of individual bravery, 13-year-old Australian Army Cadet Austin Appelbee, has been recognised with an Australian Army Cadets Gold Commendation

for his actions in saving his mother and siblings, who were washed out to sea on a kayak on the 30 January 2025. Austin, who parades with 50 Army Cadet Unit (Midlands), swam alone for more than 4 kilometres through rough open waters and ran a further 2 kilometres to call for help.

From everyone at the Australian Army Cadets and no doubt the Australian and international community, we salute you Austin for your courage and determination – you are a genuine hero!

From a post on the Australian Army Cadet’s Facebook page.

ANZAC Day Poetry Competition

Will you be the winner of our 2026 ANZAC Day Poetry Competition and win a surprise gift? 

Last year we held our inaugural ANZAC Day Poetry Competition and it was a great success. We had conjoint winners whose names were placed on our perpetual plaque and who presented their poems on ANZAC Day and at the RSL Tanunda Hut.

This year we are offering a surprise gift that anyone would appreciate. You could be the lucky winner and have your name forever displayed on our perpetual plaque.

You can download the following necessary forms here:

• The Terms and Conditions of the competition
• An Entry Form

We hope to receive your entry by the closing date and wish all competitors the very best of luck.