COAT OF ARMS:

• Gules, an armillary sphere or, adorned with three crosses of the Order of Christ (cross pattée and upon it a cross couped) or, one in chief, the other two at the dexter and sinister flanks;
• Crest, on a wreath of the colours, a barn owl or eyed sable;
• Mantling of the colours;
• Motto: «ADIVINHAR PERIGOS, E EVITALLOS».

 

 

SYMBOLOGY AND REFERENCE:

The ARMILLARY SPHERE, symbol of the Portuguese Discoveries, of the knowledge of the world and of our collective history, represented by the presence of the language

• and the Portuguese Diaspora, projecting Portugal as a country with a global vocation.
• The BARN OWL (Tyto alba), able to observe and hunt splendidly despite the darkness around it, symbolizes wisdom, caution, surprise and certainty, and refers to the ability to obtain critical information in time, which characterises the Strategic Defence Intelligence Service.
• The MOTTO, “ADIVINHAR PERIGOS, E EVITALLOS” (Os Lusíadas VIII – 89) (to predict and avoid danger) evokes the constant concern of the Strategic Defence Intelligence Service to anticipate and prevent all situations that may threaten Portuguese independence, national interests and external security.

 

 

• The colours mean:
• OR, wisdom and firmness;
• GULES, courage and commitment;
• SABLE, discretion and prudence.