European SAFE defense procurement loan program allows ordering modern weaponry without major budget burden. Portugal will take advantage of this, wanting to acquire 90 GTK Boxer wheeled armored combat vehicles.
This was stated by Portuguese Army Major General Miguel Freire at Defence IQ International Armoured Vehicles (IAV) conference, writes Shepard Media. Moreover, vehicles will be taken in both APC version and full-fledged IFV.
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IFV based on GTK Boxer with RCT30 turret / Photo credit: ARTEC
Defense Express notes we’re looking at quite a typical choice for a European country wanting to update its own armed forces. This will ensure unification with other allies.
GTK Boxers have 8×8 wheel formula, good modern armor, and are in service with Germany, Netherlands, Australia, Qatar, Lithuania, and will be with Great Britain. Meanwhile, they continue being actively procured and localized in various regions, ensuring mass production.
GTK Boxer in APC configuration / Open source photo
This armored vehicle’s biggest drawback is its price, which can calmly cross the €15 million mark per unit. However, this issue can be minimized thanks to available loans under SAFE program, which provides up to €150 billion.
As a reminder, Portugal’s plans to acquire Boxer became known back in October 2025, but quantity wasn’t specified then. Overall, they should replace tracked M113s and wheeled Pandur 2s currently in country’s service.
Portuguese Army Pandur II / Open source photo
Regarding potential modifications, the Boxer-based APC will most likely have some machine gun strike module. Meanwhile, the IFV will most likely be Schakal chosen by Netherlands and Germany, or something slightly simpler but with the same RCT30 turret.
Currently Portugal is actively conducting a program for armed forces reorganization and modernization after years of stagnation. The completion deadline is currently set for 2034, and Portuguese boast they’ve managed to stop personnel outflow from army.
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