The Portuguese Special Operations Detachment (DOE) is now flush with small arms, having just received a new batch of rifles, shotguns, grenade launchers and accessories.
Portuguese Special Operations Weapons
According to Jane’s, the items delivered included Barrett M107A1 .50 cal and Accuracy AXMC .338 precision rifles; Heckler & Koch HK417 7.62×51 mm assault rifles; FABARM STF/12 Compact FE 12-gauge shotguns; and HK HK269 40×46 mm grenade launchers. The DOE also received Schmidt & Bender PM II riflescopes, as well as new MRZR2 MT and Sportsman MV850 MT ATVs. The exact quantity hasn’t been disclosed.
However, back in October Jane’s reported that the Portuguese Army had agreed to let the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) handle procurement of new small arms. The procurement, worth up to €42.8 million ($50.3 million), calls for the purchase (by 2022) of 11,000 5.56x45mm assault rifles; 300 7.62x51mm assault rifles; 830 5.56x45mm light machine guns; 320 7.62x51mm light machine guns; 450 7.62x51mm precision rifles; 1,700 grenade launchers; 380 shotguns; and 3,400 sights. One can assume that the aforementioned small arms from Barrett, HK and others are part of that procurement process.
The DOE is a unit within the Portuguese Army’s Special Operations Troops Centre. Commonly referred to as the Rangers, DOE performs missions similar to that of the US Army’s Delta Force or the British SAS. Check out the video below to see them in action.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IUwHipmI3M
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