Defense & Security

The world is changing fast. Threats are more complex, more connected, and harder to anticipate than ever before. Protecting people, infrastructure, and sovereignty demands systems that don't fail — and partners who understand what's truly at stake.

Defense

Protected, Secure, Safe

The nature of defense has shifted. Today's challenges aren't only fought on traditional battlefields — they play out across digital networks, maritime borders, critical infrastructure, and command centres under pressure. Being ready means having the right technology, built to the highest standards, before you need it.

For over two decades, Critical Software has worked alongside defense forces, coast guards, navies, and government agencies to build the systems they depend on. Not off-the-shelf tools, but mission-critical software engineered to perform in environments where failure is not an option.

Our work is guided by deep technical expertise, rigorous safety and security standards, and a genuine understanding of the operational realities our partners face. From anticipating threats to coordinating responses, we help defense and homeland security organizations stay ahead — protecting what matters most.

Some of the brands that trust us

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Our solutions

How we support you

No two defense organizations face identical challenges. We bring a broad set of capabilities so we can meet you where you are — and build what you actually need.

Software & Product Development

From embedded systems to advanced user interfaces, we design and develop software built to operate reliably in the most demanding defence environments — meeting the highest safety and quality standards throughout.

Safety Assessments & Cyber Security

As threats evolve, so must defenses. We provide comprehensive gap analysis, security assessments, and penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities before they can be exploited — keeping critical systems and sensitive data secure.

Verification & Validation

When lives depend on your systems working correctly, there's no room for assumptions. Our independent V&V services and test automation give you the confidence that every component performs exactly as required.

Systems Migration

Modernizing legacy infrastructure without disrupting active operations is one of defence's hardest challenges. We plan and execute migrations carefully, ensuring continuity, security, and full compliance at every step.

Reverse Engineering & Integration

Complex defense environments often mean integrating decades of legacy systems with modern platforms. We bridge that gap — reverse engineering existing architectures and delivering seamless, robust system integration.

Oversee

Maritime Security Operations

An award-winning maritime security platform built to give operators a complete, real-time picture — and the tools to act on it.
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Resources

Our defence knowledge hub

Browse our white papers and case studies to find out more about the clients we work with and the defence projects we’ve enhanced over the years.

White Papers

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Systems Engineering and Complex Systems Integration

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Using Agile to Develop High-Integrity Systems

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Automated Verification & Validation

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Case Studies

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Safety Assessments for Avionics Modification Programmes

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Automating Closed-Loop Testing

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Get in touch

Can we help secure what matters most?

Whether you need to modernize legacy systems, secure critical infrastructure, or build something entirely new — we're the right team to have in your corner.

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João Pedro Mortágua

Business Development Manager

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Vitor Monteiro Correia

Business Development Manager

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Gonçalo Valadas

Principal Engineer

News

Latest from defense and security

Insights, news, and perspectives from our defense and security team.

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Driving Portugal’s Autonomous Vehicle Revolution

With new legislation enacted in 2026, Portugal emerges as a key destination for autonomous vehicle testing, fostering innovation, safety validation, and global collaboration.

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Stablecoins: A Threat to The Digital Euro?

Stablecoins and the digital euro are often compared, but they serve different purposes. While stablecoins offer programmability and global reach, the digital euro promises stability, legal certainty, and public control. This article explores whether stablecoins truly threaten Europe’s future digital currency—or instead act as a complementary force in the evolving payments landscape.

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Industry Voices: How Robotics Is Transforming the Medical Domain, Insights From QNX

Medical robotics are evolving from specialized machines into connected, software-defined platforms. QNX explains how real-time performance, cybersecurity, and integration are reshaping healthcare systems and accelerating innovation in clinical environments.

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What Anthropic’s Mythos Reveals About the Future of Cyber Attacks

Advanced AI models like Mythos are transforming cyber attacks by reducing both time and expertise required to exploit vulnerabilities. This shift demands a move from reactive defenses to continuous, system-level security strategies.

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NewsDefence & Security

Critical Software Heads to Sea-Air-Space Expo and PT-US Defense Industry Days

Critical Software will participate in the Sea-Air-Space Expo and the inaugural PT-US Defense Industry Days, taking place in Washington, D.C., from April 20 to 23.

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When Disaster Strikes: Digital Insurance That Helps, Fast

Making the right decisions on digital deployment today will help insurers better deal with the difficult, intense rush of claims — and fraud attempts — that inevitably follow an emergency.

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BlogRailway

Cyber Resilience Act in Rail: What You Need to Know Before It Impacts Your Systems

The Cyber Resilience Act is coming to rail. Learn what it means for your systems and how to prepare.

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Industry Voices: How Software-Defined Vehicles Are Rewriting Automotive Innovation — Insights from the Eclipse Foundation

Discover how software-defined vehicles are reshaping the automotive industry through open-source collaboration, cybersecurity, and connected mobility insights from the Eclipse Foundation.

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Critical Software Expands US Presence Through Acquisition of IQ Inc.

Critical Software has completed its acquisition of IQ Inc., a Pittsburgh-based engineering services company — strengthening its US footprint, technical capabilities, and delivery capacity across mission-critical industries.

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Unlocking the Future of Payments: Preparing for PSD3

Learn how PSD3 will reshape Europe’s payments ecosystem, from fraud prevention and open banking to compliance challenges and regulatory changes.