Portugal is still widely associated with tourism, property and relatively low-cost services.
That picture is increasingly incomplete.
At REPMUS 2026, 25 Portuguese companies are testing unmanned systems, autonomous technologies, software, communications and other advanced solutions alongside 36 navies and more than 130 companies from around the world.
Among them are names such as Tekever, Critical Software, Beyond Vision, UAVision, OceanScan and Optimal. These are not companies competing mainly on lower labour costs.
They are developing engineering, software, robotics, autonomous systems and intellectual property that can be sold into demanding international markets.
That distinction matters.
For years, Portugal’s competitiveness has often been discussed in terms of tourism, foreign investment, outsourcing and cost advantages.
Those sectors remain important, but they do not tell the whole story of where higher productivity and higher wages can come from.
Deep-tech companies operate differently. They need engineers, research partnerships, testing environments, capital and access to international customers. When they succeed, more of the value sits in the technology itself rather than only in the hours worked.
REPMUS is useful because it puts Portuguese technology in front of military organisations, universities and potential buyers under real operating conditions.
For companies working in drones, maritime systems, cybersecurity or AI, that kind of testing can be far more valuable than a conventional trade fair.
The defence sector is one of the clearest places to see this shift because European investment is accelerating in precisely these areas. But many of the same technologies also have civilian applications.
Portugal’s international image will probably continue to be shaped by tourism for a long time.
The economy underneath that image is becoming more technically sophisticated than it sometimes appears.
Unlock the door to exclusive property opportunities in Portugal with our bespoke advisory services. We pride ourselves on providing objective, client-focused advice that empowers you to make informed decisions.
From market analysis to legal support, we cover every detail. Don’t miss out on your perfect Portuguese property, contact us to begin your journey.
