Portuguese Unit of 30 Soldiers Will Return to Romania
Thirty soldiers from Madeira will be sent to Romania in the second half of 2026, according to the commander of the Regimento de Guarnição n.º 3 (RG3). A similar mission with the same number of troops took place in 2023. This rotation is part of NATO’s wider strategy to strengthen its eastern flank and maintain a multinational presence close to Russia’s border regions.
When we go to Romania, we are not just talking about a Portuguese force. They are integrated with other countries present in Romania, namely French and Spanish units
Commander of the Portuguese Land Forces, RTP Madeira
NATO’s Eastern Flank Strengthened With Joint Missions Including France and Spain
The Portuguese soldiers will work alongside allied forces already stationed in Romania, with a focus on coordination and readiness. The mission underscores Portugal’s contribution to NATO’s collective defense commitments, especially in Eastern Europe.
Officials underlined that the Portuguese participation aims to reinforce multinational cooperation. By operating with French, Spanish, and other allied troops, the Portuguese unit will be part of exercises and deployments designed to ensure a quick response if necessary.
120 Soldiers From Madeira to Train With Spanish Forces in the Canary Islands in 2026
Apart from the mission in Romania, the RG3 regiment will also take part in another large-scale exercise in the Canary Islands. Around 120 soldiers from its Infantry Company will join Spanish forces for joint training sessions. The headquarters will be based in Gran Canaria, where the Spanish brigade will lead the multinational unit.
This mission is part of preparations for the European Union Battle Group, which will be operational from the beginning of 2026. The joint force will remain on standby for one year, covering the second half of 2026 and the first half of 2027.
Regiment of Madeira Celebrates 32 Years With Drones and Military Exercises
The announcements came during the celebrations of the 32nd anniversary of the RG3 regiment. The ceremony included several demonstrations, among them the use of drones in military exercises. Currently, the RG3 regiment is composed of around 300 soldiers. Its participation in NATO and EU missions shows its increasing role in multinational defense cooperation. The commander emphasized that such missions not only prepare Portuguese troops for international operations but also strengthen their readiness for future challenges.
Source: RTP Madeira
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